Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part D: Medical-Fitness Training (LM:35-38)
Certification Course
Part D: Medical-Fitness Training (LM:35-38)
Learning Module 36:
Follow-Up
Follow-Up
Study the Learning Module and take the Quiz.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how the client's stage of change effects their Follow-Up.
- Know the types, indications, and timeframes regarding Follow-Up.
- Know how to determine an appropriate Follow-Up Recommendation.
Introduction
Medical-Fitness Training is the heart of therapeutic lifestyle change regarding personal fitness. The Medical-Fitness Assessment and the initial Exercise Rx are of little value without appropriate Follow-Up. This is why your Follow-Up Recommendations are so important, and why Follow-Up Recommendations are included in every Exercise Rx.
Follow-Up Recommendations need to be personalized according to the client's needs and preferences. This is accomplished most efficiently by focusing on the client's next (short-term) fitness goal in consideration of their current fitness level and stage of change.
Follow-Up Recommendations need to be personalized according to the client's needs and preferences. This is accomplished most efficiently by focusing on the client's next (short-term) fitness goal in consideration of their current fitness level and stage of change.
Stages of Change
A person who subjects themself to a Medical-Fitness Assessment for the first time could be in ANY of the four stages of change beyond the first stage of Pre-Contemplative, as described below:
- 1. Pre-Contemplative - When a person is unaware of any need to exercise regularly and has no intention to change their sedentary lifestyle, they will not choose to get a medical-fitness assessment.
- 2. Contemplative Stage - The person has been thinking about starting an exercise program and wants to know a) How fit or unfit they are, and b) What should they do to get more fit.
- 3. Preparation Stage - The person has already decided to get more fit and is developing a plan on how to exercise regularly as part of a more active lifestyle.
- 4. Action Stage - The person is exercising regularly and wants to know how effective their personal Fitness Program is, and if it needs to be modified.
- 5. Maintenance Stage - The person has been exercising regularly for a while and wants to know if they are maintaining their gains.
Basic Follow-Up Recommendations
As a Medical-Fitness Technician, your objective is to help your clients either a) Engage in a personalized Medical-Fitness Training Program, or b) Stay engaged in their Medical-Fitness Training Program.
For clients new to exercise - The free Medical-Fitness Assessment includes 2 free Medical-Fitness Training Sessions. These free Training Sessions:
For clients at different levels of exercise competence - Personalized Medical-Fitness Training Programs can include:
These basic Follow-Up Recommendations should be "built-in" to your clients' Training Programs, but flexible to fit your client's stage of change (2-5) and personal needs and preferences. The goal is to keep each client engaged in their Training Program and progressing towards their goal.
For clients new to exercise - The free Medical-Fitness Assessment includes 2 free Medical-Fitness Training Sessions. These free Training Sessions:
- Help your client engage in their Training Program immediately.
- Ensure proper technique to avoid injury and improve efficiency.
- Build personal confidence and increases their enjoyment of exercising.
- Develop confidence in your professional services and builds community.
For clients at different levels of exercise competence - Personalized Medical-Fitness Training Programs can include:
- 1) Additional Med-Fit Training Sessions (beyond the first 2 free sessions) if the client needs personal instruction to learn how to perform or modify their exercises.
- 2) Follow-Up Consults if indicated for extra support, guidance, or "problem solving." This service is more often indicated for clients who are obese and/or more resistant to regular exercise for any reason (physical or psychological).
- 3) Follow-Up Assessments every 1-6 months, depending on your client's fitness level and goals.
These basic Follow-Up Recommendations should be "built-in" to your clients' Training Programs, but flexible to fit your client's stage of change (2-5) and personal needs and preferences. The goal is to keep each client engaged in their Training Program and progressing towards their goal.
Note: The Recommended Follow-Up Timeframe for clients with Extremely Low Fitness Levels (< 20) is 4 weeks (instead of the expected 1 week) because the vast majority of these clients are morbidly obese. Their Medical-Fitness Training Program is generally limited by their weight and dependent on their weight-loss results. These clients should be having frequent follow-ups with a Medical-Nutrition Technician. If a client is extremely low-fit, but not obese, their fitness training follow-up services should be the same as very low fit clients.
In general, clients with higher levels of fitness should be given longer timeframes between their Follow-Up Assessments depending on the goals and preferences of the client.
New Clients - Every effort should be made to engage your new clients by having them commit to a personalized Medical-Fitness Training Program as soon as possible. However, this process must not be perceived by the client as "urgent" or "high-pressured." The client must make their own free-will decision in their own time and on their own terms. As their Medical-Fitness Technician, your role is to inform and encourage them, and to always respect THEIR decision.
Current Clients - Every effort should be made to keep your current clients engaged in their personalized Medical-Fitness Training Programs as long as possible. The only "required" follow-up are the repeating Med-Fit Assessments to track their progress or maintenance and up-date their Exercise Rx's accordingly. Also, having a quasi-scheduled assessment in the relatively near future (1-6 months) holds your client accountable and helps keep them committed and motivated.
Your recommended Follow-Up services must not be perceived by the client as "excessive" or "obligatory." The client must agree to the recommended type and frequency of services. As their Medical-Fitness Technician, your role is to provide the highest quality and value in delivering those services that are important and helpful to them.
Satisfied clients who appreciate your services are more likely to utilize them more frequently, as well as being more likely to refer their family and friends to you for Medical-Fitness Services.
Medical-Fitness Technicians are trained to provide the unmet needs of sedentary individuals. When your client is fully engaged in a personal Fitness Training Program, encourage them to seek professional fitness services beyond the scope of your expertise, such as joining a gym, hiring a certified personal trainer, or joining a sport-specific team with an athletic trainer.
New Clients - Every effort should be made to engage your new clients by having them commit to a personalized Medical-Fitness Training Program as soon as possible. However, this process must not be perceived by the client as "urgent" or "high-pressured." The client must make their own free-will decision in their own time and on their own terms. As their Medical-Fitness Technician, your role is to inform and encourage them, and to always respect THEIR decision.
Current Clients - Every effort should be made to keep your current clients engaged in their personalized Medical-Fitness Training Programs as long as possible. The only "required" follow-up are the repeating Med-Fit Assessments to track their progress or maintenance and up-date their Exercise Rx's accordingly. Also, having a quasi-scheduled assessment in the relatively near future (1-6 months) holds your client accountable and helps keep them committed and motivated.
Your recommended Follow-Up services must not be perceived by the client as "excessive" or "obligatory." The client must agree to the recommended type and frequency of services. As their Medical-Fitness Technician, your role is to provide the highest quality and value in delivering those services that are important and helpful to them.
Satisfied clients who appreciate your services are more likely to utilize them more frequently, as well as being more likely to refer their family and friends to you for Medical-Fitness Services.
Medical-Fitness Technicians are trained to provide the unmet needs of sedentary individuals. When your client is fully engaged in a personal Fitness Training Program, encourage them to seek professional fitness services beyond the scope of your expertise, such as joining a gym, hiring a certified personal trainer, or joining a sport-specific team with an athletic trainer.
Other Follow-Up Recommendations
General Health Resources - Medical-Fitness Technicians are Health & Fitness Professionals. It is important for you to be aware of and concerned about the health and wellness needs of each of your clients -- not just their fitness. To this end, you should be familiar with the free online general health resources at www.OptiHealthChoices.com. Only then will you be able to actively inquire, inform, and encourage your clients to utilize these free online resources effectively.
Weight-Loss Referrals - Every client who is overweight, obese, or has a chronic lifestyle-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease, should get a referral for a free Medical-Nutrition Assessment. You should always include with the referral a clear statement assuring your client that you will remain available for any of their exercise or physical fitness needs in cooperation with any nutrition-based weight-loss health professional that your client may choose to utilize.
Weight-Loss Referrals - Every client who is overweight, obese, or has a chronic lifestyle-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease, should get a referral for a free Medical-Nutrition Assessment. You should always include with the referral a clear statement assuring your client that you will remain available for any of their exercise or physical fitness needs in cooperation with any nutrition-based weight-loss health professional that your client may choose to utilize.