Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part E: Skill Practicums
Learning Modules: 39-46
Learning Module 45:
Therapeutic Strength Training
Complete all the steps outlined below and submit your Lab Report.
​Review the Learning Modules linked below:
In this Practicum, you will learn how to conduct personalized Therapeutic Strength Training sessions for your clients, including modification of the basic calisthenic movements.
A volunteer Cient is needed for this Practicum.
Needed Equipment & Materials;
  • Your client's completed Med-Fit Assessment Form
  • Your client's completed ​Therapeutic Exercise Rx Form
  • Clipboard
  • Pen
  • Strength Training Chart - Timed Rep Counts
The clients for whom you will prescribe Strength Training Sessions are the ones who have lower Med-Fit Scores because they are not strong and/or coordinated enough to perform the calisthenic exercises properly and did not get an A grade on 1 or more of the Strength Tests.
  • Refer to your client's Med-Fit Assessment & Therapeutic Exercise Rx Forms.
  • 1 Training Session should be prescribed for each Exercise that your client did not get an "A" grade.
  • Strength Training Sessions can be in a small group (2-4) and should be limited to 30 minutes each.
  • Encourage your clients to schedule their Therapeutic Fitness Training sessions as soon as possible after each Assessment.
The goal of your Therapeutic Fitness Training Services is to help your clients improve their technique when performing the standard calisthenic movements or a modified version designed to help them develop the strength to do the standard version.
  • Always make your Fitness Training Services safe, effective, efficient, and enjoyable.
The objective of each Training Session is to improve the client's technique and/or modify each "problem" exercise so that your client can do more reps per set or exercise session.

​Apply as needed the Technique Improvement or Modification Options listed below for each exercise.
  • Explain and demonstrate the exercise or modification.
  • Have the client practice a few sets (2-3) of several reps (4-6) each.
  • Observe the client's technique and level of effort.
  • If your client struggles to do the exercise, modify the movement to be a little easier.
  • If the technique is wrong, give corrective advice 1 point at a time between sets, until mastered.
  • Increase the prescribed Rep Counts for easier modified movements on your client's Exercise Rx.
  • Recommend additional follow-up Training Sessions every 1-2 weeks, as needed.
  • As the client gains strength and coordination doing the modified exercises, you can re-modify the exercises to require a little more effort and move closer to the standardized movements.
Learn how to do the modifications of each exercise listed below. Then practice training your volunteer Client on how to do a modified version of each exercise.
1. Squat Modification Options:
  • Descend only to the point of being able to comfortably stand back up.
  • Descend to sit on a chair, bench, or ball at the appropriate level and then stand back up.
  • Use your hands to push on the knees to assist the upward movement.
  • Perform the squats while holding on to a firm supporting structure (like the edge of a counter top).
  • Do the eccentric contraction phase of the movement slowly and use assistance for the concentric phase.
2. Leg-Raise Modification Options:
  • Rest feet on the floor between reps.
  • Do "tucks," by flexing the lower-leg downward as the thighs are flexed upward.
  • Alternate legs, doing 1 leg at a time.
  • Rest the feet on an elevated surface in the starting position.
  • Do the eccentric contraction phase of the movement slowly and use assistance for the concentric phase.
3. Push-Up Modification Options:
  • Males - Pivot on Knees (instead of toes).
  • Only descend to the point of being able to comfortably push back up.
  • Do incline push-ups by placing your hands on a bench, counter, or against a wall.
    Use a split stance in the incline push-up position and use the bent leg to assist the arm extension.
  • Do the eccentric contraction phase of the movement slowly and use assistance for the concentric phase.
4. Inverted-Row Modification Options:
  • Raise the rings or bar higher for the body to be at a greater angle.​
  • Position heels closer to the rings or bar for the arms to be at a greater angle​.
  • Do the eccentric contraction phase of the movement slowly and use assistance for the concentric phase..
Fitness Training Services
As a certified Medical-Fitness Technician, you will be qualified to provide basic, personalized, short-term (1-8 sessions) Therapeutic Fitness Training. The bulk of your Fitness Training Services will focus on Strength Training for clients who are not familiar with and generally not fit enough to do the standard calisthenic movements, requiring modified versions at the start of their Fitness Programs.

Most of your clients will need and could greatly benefit from your services. Your goal is to provide the best possible service at the highest possible value. Your clients' appreciation and word-of-mouth advertising will be well worth your efforts.

There are different ways that you can provide Therapeutic Fitness Training Services. One of the most efficient approaches to keep the cost more affordable for your clients, but still worth your time, is to schedule 1 or 2 (or more) designated weekly "open training" sessions of 1-2 hours each (depending on demand and general client preferences). Your clients can pre-pay for any future session (1 at a time), or just "drop-in" at their convenience and pay upon arrival or afterwards.

You can charge $5 - $10 per client per supervised session and allow your client to work-out until he/she gets the needed training for that session. With some experience, you can easily accommodate 4-8 clients per hour depending on their level of needed attention. If meeting at a public park in fair weather during daylight hours, your profit margin is adequate. If meeting at a fitness facility that expects a per client or hourly fee, you may need to add a surcharge to cover the added expense. 
Therapeutic Fitness Training Services:
  • Keep the Training area secure, clean, orderly, and well ventilated (if indoors).
  • Greet each client upon joining your open training sessions.
  • Keep an attendance list and document their Name & Time-In.
  • Ask - "What exercises do you want to work on today?"
  • Ask each client: "Can I see your Training Log?"
  • Review the client's Log regarding the pattern, duration, frequency, and consistency of his/her exercise sessions.
  • Remind your client that he/she is entitled to 1 (graded) Timed Rep Count per training session (optional).
  • Let the client warm-up for a couple minutes.
  • Select one exercise at a time to help train your client.
  • Have the client do at least 3-5 consecutive reps before interrupting with a comment.
  • Suggest a modification to the exercise if the client is struggling.
  • More reps of an easier movement is beneficial both physically and psychologically.
  • Focus on the client's body position and the tempo of their movements.
  • Most clients either move too fast and get sloppy, or they move too slow and get bored.
  • Give one simple pointer for the main "problem" and demonstrate what you mean (do not exaggerate their mistakes).
  • Have the client perform the movement while you watch and evaluate again.
  • Give the client some time and space to work on the movement.
  • Return to re-check his/her technique and answer their questions.
  • Be encouraging and supportive.
  • Do not make things complicated.
  • Do not be critical or get frustrated.
  • Do not be demanding or push them too much.
  • Share your attention among the clients as equally as possible, but consider their personal needs for instruction.
  • Always be friendly and positive.
  • When the client is done and starts to leave, say - "Good work-out, (Name)."
  • Document the time that each client leaves ("Time-Out").
  • Indicate the date and the amount that each client paid for each training session.