Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part E: Providing Med-Fit Services (LM:39-44)
Learning Module 41:
Med-Fit Assessment
Study the Module and do the Lab.
Learning Objectives
  • Know the components of the Medical-Fitness Assessment
  • Become familiar with the form for documenting a Baseline Med-Fit Assessment
Fitness Tests:
  • Print the forms linked below and add them to the bottom of the stack of forms on your clipboard.
  • Test the client's fitness levels using the protocols explained in Section C, Modules 29-34.
  • Use the Fitness Test Formulas chart on your clipboard as a reminder of each Test's specific details.
  • Record the client's results in the Baseline Fitness Test section of the Medical-Fitness Chart form.
  • Use the Score Interpretation chart to explain to the client their level of fitness for each Test.
  • After calculating all four Fitness Scores, calculate the client's Total Fitness Score (aka: Med-Fit Score).
  • Remember to combine the Push-Ups & Inverted Rows Scores into the Arm Fitness Score to calculate the Total Fitness Score.
Progress Chart:
  • Print the form linked below and fill-out the first entry of the client's Med-Fit Progress Chart as their Baseline Assessment.
  • ​​Print legibly. The Med-Fit Tech that does the client's Follow-Up Assessment will need to be able to read your entry easily.
  • Print your client's First & Last Names at the top of the Chart form.
  • Status: D=Date, A=Age (YY.MM)
  • Follow-Up entries also include: W=Weeks since previous Assessment, G=Grade of Compliance to Fitness Program.
  • Weight-Loss: W=Weight, P= +/- Pounds, W=Weeks to Target Weight at an average rate of -0.5 pounds/week.
  • Follow-Up entries also include: R=Rate of Weight-Loss (+/- Pounds/Week), W=Weeks to Target Weight at current Rate
  • Fitness Tests / Scores: Raw/Standard x100 xGrade = Scores % (Example: Squats 94/120 x100 x0.90 = Score 70.5%
  • Score: Calculate the client's Total Fitness Score
  • Tech: Print your Name as the client's Technician (Initial of First Name & Last Name)
After completing the fitness tests, calculating the results, and filling in the Progress Chart with the client as a summary review, engage the client in a short, but meaningful, discussion to help them express their feelings about their fitness, and what thy want to do about it. Encourage your client accordingly:
  • Being unfit is reversible using safe and effective therapeutic lifestyle therapies -- regular exercise.
  • The risks of chronic sedentary diseases decrease with even only moderate amounts of regular exercise.
  • Hours in a gym, lifting heavy weights, training for a marathon, excessive sweating are not necessary.
  • "No pain, no gain" is a myth. Getting fit can be fun.
  • The solution to getting more fit is a healthier lifestyle -- especially getting regular exercise.
  • Ask the client -- "How do you feel about exercising more regularly in order to get more fit?"
  • Whether the client responds positively or not, explain - "Your free Baseline Med-Fit Assessment includes a personalized Exercise Rx. So, let's work on that to see what kind of Med-Fit Training Program might work for you."
Exercise Rx:
  • Print the forms linked below and add them to the bottom of the stack of forms on your clipboard.
  • A clinic-specific Exercise Rx form will be provided by the Clinic during your Field Practicum.
  • If the client is obese, start by writing out the client's weight status on the reverse side of the Rx form.
  • Include: Current Weight and (BMI), Pounds Overweight, Goal Weight, the goal Weight-Loss Rate of 0.5/week, Goal Date.
  • Inquire if the client is interested in a free Medical-Nutrition Assessment.
  • Use the Exercise Rx Chart as a guide to writing your client's personalized Exercise Rx (on the front side of the form).
  • Read the Rx out loud to your client as you fill-in the numbers.
  • Fill-in the spaces based on the client's Total Fitness (Med-Fit) Score.
  • You may want to negotiate the "sessions per week" number, but start low: usually 2-3 sessions/week.
  • Give your client an Aerobic Training Log form and a Strength Training Log form.
  • Briefly explain how the form should be filled-out and confirm that the client understands.
  • Continue writing the Follow-Up instructions for your client on the Exercise Rx (see below).
Follow-Up Training Sessions:
  • Always write-in "2" Med-Fit Training Sessions.
  • Encourage the client to strongly consider using their free Training Sessions, but leave the date blank for them to decide when.
  • Clients may use their 2 free 1-hour Training Sessions on any clinic day over the next 4 weeks.
  • Training Sessions are open to clients during regular clinic hours -- no need to make an appointment, just "drop-in."
  • Clients are given personal attention on their exercise techniques, and modifications are developed if needed.
  • Clients may purchase 2 additional Training Sessions for $5 that they can use on any Clinic day (no expiration date). 
Follow-Up Consults:
  • Print the form linked below and add it to the bottom of the stack of forms on your clipboard.
  • Use the Chart to set a Follow-Up Consult based on their fitness level.
  • The client will need to bring their Exercise Rx and filled-in-to-date Training Logs to their Follow-Up Consult.
  • The Follow-Up Consult is for you (or another Medical-Fitness Technician) to review their Training Log, give further instruction based on their progress, and to answer any questions related to their Fitness Training Program.
  • Even if the client is undecided, write-in the number of weeks when you recommend their Follow-Up Consult (based on the Follow-Up Timeframes chart). The client can decide later whether or not to have a Follow-Up Consult.
  • Your client may "drop-in" any Clinic day during regular hours. No appointment is necessary.
  • The $10 Follow-Up Consultation Fee can be paid by the client either online or onsite by credit/debit card.
​
​Follow-Up Assessments:
  • Explain that setting a date for their Follow-Up Assessment is very motivating, because it holds themself accountable.
  • Follow-Up Assessments every 2-6 months is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of their Training Program.
  • Inform the client that a Follow-Up Assessment costs only $15 to accurately track their progress and update their Exercise Rx.
  • Use the chart to determine the number of weeks and set the client's Follow-Up Assessment Date based on their Fitness Level.
  • Even if the client is undecided, write-in the number of weeks and the Date when you recommend their Follow-Up Assessment (based on the Follow-Up Timeframes chart). The client can decide later if/when they want to have their Follow-Up Assessment.
  • Your client may "drop-in" any Clinic day during regular hours. No appointment is necessary.
  • The $15 Follow-Up Assessment Fee can be paid in online or onsite by credit/debit card.
  • Clients can earn a $5 (33%) discount IF they bring a friend for a free Baseline Med-Fit Assessment with them.
Note: The extended Follow-Up Timeframes for extremely low-fit clients is because most of these clients are morbidly obese. You will probably start them on a simple 10 minutes/session Walking Med-Fit Aerobic Training Program to focus on their weight-loss efforts without calisthenic exercises. Ideally, the client will have multiple Follow-Up Consults with a Medical-Nutrition Technician. Eventually, when the client's BMI is < 35, you may consider adding strength testing and training (calisthenic exercises) to their Med-Fit Program.
Terminating the Med-Fit Assessment:
  • Congratulate your client on their decision to get more fit, and assure him/her that you are available to help.
  • Make sure your client has a copy of their Exercise Rx and both Exercise Log forms (Aerobic & Strength Training). 
  • Escort your client at least part way to the exit.
  • Extend your hand as you say - "Thank you for coming in today! It was very nice working with you."