Unit 3 - Programming Personal Training with Clients

Question 1

Are Personal Trainers and Gym Instructor the same?

Answer 1

A personal trainer (PT) is different to a gym instructor in almost every aspect of their fitness training delivery.

Both services are important and needed, but they meet different needs at a different level of service. They are not in competition with one another but instead complement one another to provide a better overall service.

Question 2

What is the difference in knowledge between level 2 and level 3 at the Register of Exercise Professionals?

Answer 2

This means that the PT must have a greater knowledge base than a fitness instructor, be qualified to deal with a larger cross-section of the community and train to a higher level of skill and competency than a fitness instructor.

This need for greater knowledge and skill, more time and planning, effort and accountability warrant a higher rate of pay and the additional charges most PTs levy on their clients.
Introduction

Question 3

Are Personal Trainers on a level with other medical professionals?

Answer 3

They are on a level with other medical professionals; they just provide a different level of service than doctors and physiotherapists.

The role of the PT is in trying to optimise the health and fitness of each client and prevent the slide and degeneration towards injury and disease that is so prevalent today.

Question 4

Within the level of health professionals, what are the roles of doctors and physiotherapists?
What does the PT do?

Answer 4

• Doctor’s role: is to deal with the poor health of those who already have signs and symptoms of disease and physical degeneration
• A physiotherapist’s role is to assist those suffering physical trauma in the post-operative and/or acute phase of injury and try to restore them to some level of basic physical function
• The PT then takes these clients and moves them as far away as possible from the precipice of illness and injury to a place of strong physical functioning and optimal health

Question 5

Name values and attributes that will help lead to the success of a PT.

Answer 5

• self motivation
• intuition
• honesty and integrity
• passion and enthusiasm
• creativity
• skilled communication
• unconsciously going the extra mile
• professionalism
• self-worth
• service oriented

Question 6

What are the advantages of a PT?

Answer 6

• immediate access to a wealth of knowledge and experience
• ability to physically assess health and fitness parameters, then interpret and apply collected data
• achieve effective exercise technique more quickly
• benefit from effective and creative programme planning
• avoid commonplace exercise myths and pitfalls
• benefit from a wider range of training disciplines and modalities
• provide an honest, objective view of current status and progression made
• clear direction and accountability for actions and goals set
• professional record-keeping and tracking of actions and achievements
• modifying limiting beliefs and habits that distract from goals
• coordinated goal approach involving nutrition and lifestyle

Question 7

What would a wider, holistic way for a PT be?

Answer 7

It is becoming more common to find trainers with qualifications in

• massage,
• sports therapy,
• corrective exercise,
• postural alignment,
• life coaching,
• neurolinguistic programming (NLP),
• advanced nutrition,
• metabolic typing,
• sports coaching,
• human biomechanics and
• many other skill sets that contribute to human health and wellbeing

Question 8

For goal setting, what communication skills will be needed from the PT?

Answer 8

• building rapport,
• true listening skills,
• effective questioning,
• utilising non-verbal communication,
• clarifying and the ability to negotiate SMART goals.

Question 9

What does SMART stand for?

Answer 9

• Specific
• Measurable
• Agreeable
• Realistic
• Time

Question 10

What happens after the client’s current situation has been analyzed and the SMART goals have been set?

Answer 10

Once these goals have been set, the client will be required to alter their lifestyle and begin exercising in line with the strategies that were negotiated and discussed.

Question 11

What does the PT have to be skilled in when it comes to training programs, etc.?

Answer 11

PT’s need to be skilled in writing programmes both for the personal training sessions themselves and those that a client can and will use in any gym sessions when the PT is not by their side.

They will also need to affect lifestyle changes that include regular activity, positive sleeping patterns and eating choices.

Question 12

Why is regular contact by the PT important and how can it be achieved?

Answer 12

It is vital that goals and behaviour change be viewed by the trainer and the client as long term adaptations that will become routine and habit in the client’s life

This may be done by phone, email, text message, during a casual meeting in the club, at classes or on the gym floor.

• discuss with each client what would be their preferred method for the PT to maintain contact with them during the week and between training sessions.
• It is also important that the client is able to contact the trainer easily when they need help or direction.

Question 13

What should a PT encourage in regards to habits, short-term solutions? Lifetime habits?

Answer 13

Ideally, a PT should be developing lifetime habits and changes in people, helping them to discover and define a new way to live.

The client should not view the PT as an emergency approach to help them when weight, lack of fitness and health get to the point that they can’t bear it anymore and are motivated by fear into action.

It is necessary to create positive and enjoyable new behaviours that can form the basis of their life moving forwards.

Question 14

List some types of environment that may be suitable for personal training.

Answer 14

• the home
• client’s garden
• busy gym
• public parkland
• playing field
• athletics track or stadium
• village hall or community centre
• woodlands or countryside
• the beach

Question 15

What could be barriers that might present themselves in different training locations?

Answer 15

• lack of space
• lack of equipment
• adverse weather conditions
• inappropriate terrain
• other people using public space
• pets and animals
• dusty or slippery conditions

Question 16

What type of record should be kept by the PT?

Answer 16

• their client’s progress
• condition
• adaptations to training
• reassessment
• any resulting changes in the programme and the reasoning behind them

These notes need to be taken regularly prior to, during and after workouts.

Reassessment records and programme cards should be recorded, completed and filed for future reference. These records should also be kept confidentially as required by data-protection laws.

Question 17

Sum up, in conclusion, what skills differentiate a PT from a fitness instructor.

Answer 17

The PT must be proficient in communication, client assessment, goal setting, behavioural change, programme design and record keeping.

They must also adapt their skills to suit a wide variety of different clients, venues and equipment choices. It is these skills that differentiate a PT from a fitness instructor

Question 18

What health conditions may constitute an exercise risk?

Answer 18

• cardiovascular complications (e.g. MI, cardiac arrest, arrhythmias)
• bronchospasm or exercise-induced asthma
• immune impairment (e.g. resulting in colds, flu, viruses)
• overtraining syndrome (e.g. fatigue, loss of vitality)
• amenorrhea (the absence of a menstrual period) or dysmenorrhoea (painful periods or menstrual cramps)
• traumatic injury (e.g. pulled muscle)
• overuse injury (e.g. runner’s knee)
• hypoglycaemia
• hypertension or hypotension

Question 19

PT’s have a legally bound duty to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits (also to protect themselves from litigation) of exercise participation.

What tools can they use?

Answer 19

Screening tools to identify individuals who require further medical evaluation before embarking on an exercise programme.

Question 20

Which are industry accepted screening tools?

Answer 20

questionnaires, diaries and oral questioning

Question 21

In the event of a client being deemed unsuitable for immediate exercise, who can they be referred to?

Answer 21

to an appropriate health care professional such as a General Practitioner (GP).

It must be noted that, the client will need to seek medical clearance prior to starting an exercise programme

Question 22

Are PT’s qualified to diagnose any medical conditions or rehabilitate from injury?

Answer 22

PT’s are not qualified to diagnose any medical conditions or rehabilitate from injury (unless they have a relevant professional qualification).

Question 23

A health and fitness appraisal should be conducted for what reasons?

Answer 23

• Safety
• Programme design
• Monitoring
• Total lifestyle evaluation
• Establish rapport
• Professionalism
• Motivation and adherence

Question 24

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does safety stand for?

Answer 24

• through questionnaires, diaries and oral questioning, clients at high risk (medical contraindications) can be identified
• high-risk clients can be referred to appropriate health care professionals
• gain client consent

Question 25

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does programme design stand for?

Answer 25

• test results can be used to establish a set of fitness baselines
• an individualised exercise programme can be prescribed

Question 26

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does monitoring stand for?

Answer 26

• provides an opportunity to monitor a client’s rate of progress - health/fitness appraisal should be an ongoing process

Question 27

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does Total lifestyle evaluation stand for?

Answer 27

provides an opportunity to evaluate current lifestyle behaviours such as stress, activity levels, occupation and eating habits - consideration should be given to all lifestyle factors, as they will influence the success of any lifestyle intervention programme

Question 29

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does establish rapport stand for?

Answer 29

• provides an opportunity for the trainer to get to know the client and establish a positive connection - successful working relationships are always built on rapport
• provides an opportunity to determine an appropriate communication style - showing empathy and understanding to client’s personal circumstances

Question 31

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does education stand for?

Answer 31

educate clients to make informed lifestyle choices - clients must understand the pro’s and con’s of pursuing certain lifestyle

Question 32

In a health and fitness appraisal, what does professionalism stand for?

Answer 32

• enhances trainer credibility
• provides an opportunity to explain working practices, policies and procedures

Question 33

In a health and fitness appraisal, what do motivation and adherence stand for?

Answer 33

short, medium and long-term goals can be established and agreed - goals increase focus and raise levels of motivation and exercise adherence

Question 34

In principle, what two components make up a health and fitness appraisal?

Answer 34

First, an individual’s current health and lifestyle status should be classified.

Secondly, this information should be used to screen clients before testing physical fitness

Question 35

What is the purpose of a health evaluation?

Answer 35

to identify the presence of disease or health conditions and to assess an individual’s disease risk status.

Question 36

With what can the health evaluation be carried out?

Answer 36

• administering the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
• assessing the client’s coronary risk profile using CHD risk factor table
• administering medical and lifestyle questionnaire
• performance of static tests

Question 37

When is informed consent necessary’

Answer 37

Client consent must be obtained prior to gathering personal and confidential information, health assessment and testing physical fitness.

Question 38

Using the ‘primary and secondary’ risk factor table PTs can quickly assess the client’s current coronary risk status.

What needs to happen when the client is assigned to the category “medical referral”?

Answer 38

clients in this category have a serious condition or a serious medical risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). They should always be referred to their GP. However, the majority of clients in this group will benefit from a regular exercise programme. It is advisable to write a letter to the client’s doctor outlining assessment results. In most cases, the trainer will know much more about exercise than the client’s GP

Question 39

Using the ‘primary and secondary’ risk factor table PTs can quickly assess the client’s current coronary risk status.

What needs to happen when the client is assigned to the category “special attention”?

Answer 39

Clients present with several factors that together contribute risk for CHD. Or, it may simply be because they are older or have not exercised before. Many factors have to be taken into consideration. It becomes a matter of personal judgement whether or not to refer.

Question 40

Using the ‘primary and secondary’ risk factor table PTs can quickly assess the client’s current coronary risk status.

What needs to happen when the client is assigned to the category “fit and healthy”?

Answer 40

clients in this group have no health problems, no risk factors for CHD and have been following a regular exercise programme for at least two months. This group includes most sports-specific athletes.

Question 41

There are four criteria for referring a client to their GP. Which are they?

Answer 41

1. instant medical referral

• any factor in the ‘medical referral’ category of the primary and secondary risk factor table
• any diagnosed metabolic, pulmonary or cardiovascular disease
• signs or symptoms of a pulmonary or cardiovascular disease

2. several measurements require special attention
   * for example, BP 140/90, current smoker and positive family history of CHD
3. doubt or uncertainty
   * doubt or uncertainty regarding any aspect of the client’s health. The PT should play safe and refer
4. client preference or doubt
   * if the client expresses a desire to be medically referred before starting an exercise programme, again play safe and refer

Question 42

There are some conditions that may be discovered during a health appraisal that should only be taken on by the trainer if they have further specific qualifications to manage these disorders even after medical clearance is provided.

Such conditions include

Answer 42

• cardiovascular disease
• stroke
• cancer
• type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus
• Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s
• multiple sclerosis
• depression
• dementia

Question 43

What does a lifestyle questionnaire and consultation ask for?

Answer 43

It asks further questions about the client’s personal and family health history. Additional information is obtained such as current physical activity levels, exercise history, likes and dislikes, occupational factors, diet, stress levels, sleeping patterns, goals, motivation levels and barriers to participation.

Question 44

poor nutritional habits can have a major effect on all facets of a person’s health. Name examples.

Answer 44

• poor concentration,
• altered emotional state,
• lower energy levels,
• increase in the susceptibility to outward signs of stress and poor sleep quality.

Question 45

How can Physical activity patterns be examined?

Answer 45

By recording a diary for 7 days, like the food diary and register truthfully record all physical activity including duration, frequency, type of activity or exercise (e.g.. free weights, machines or cardiovascular equipment), leisure time activity (e.g. walking, golf, gardening and sports) and occupational activity (active or sedentary).

Question 46

What is an Occupational analysis?

Answer 46

Evaluation of a client’s occupation can provide the PT with valuable information on occupational physical activity and postures. Work postures are either dynamic or static.

Question 47

Both alcohol and especially smoking have a negative impact on overall health. PTs need to try and understand the reasons for smoking or drinking and monitor the amount of consumption. Both behaviours are used as coping strategies (negative) to deal with aspects of one’s lifestyle, especially during times of great stress.

What is a good way to estimate the units of alcohol consumed by the client?

Answer 47

ask the client to recall the beverages they consumed in the last week and for the trainer to determine the number of units consumed. Whilst this is still an estimate, it is likely to be more accurate than allowing the client to estimate their weekly intake.

Question 48

Why is a good sleep pattern so important?

Answer 48

too little sleep results in

• daytime drowsiness,
• inability to concentrate,
• increased risk of accidents and
• reduces overall productivity and performance.

In the long-term, sleep deprivation has been linked to

• premature aging,
• digestive disturbances,
• psychological problems,
• behavioural disturbances and

a myriad of chronic diseases, which include

• lowered immunity
• insulin resistance,
• obesity,
• diabetes,
• heart disease
• cancer

Question 49

What are the stages of sleep?

Answer 49

During sleep the body passes through 5 stages:

stages 1, 2, 3, 4 and REM (rapid eye movement).

Stage 1, the lightest form of sleep can be considered the transition from drowsiness to sleep (during this stage the body can easily be woken);

stage 2 to 3 are considered the transition to stage 4 the deepest form of sleep

Deep sleep coincides with the release of growth hormone (especially in children and young adults), subsequently, deep sleep allows for physical repair and regeneration of many of the body’s cells

The final stage of sleep is REM which is thought to stimulate the brain regions used in learning. REM sleep is especially important during infancy.

Question 50

What does ‘circadian rhythm’ mean?

Answer 50

that the body is naturally set to a 24 hour clock (from the latin ‘circa dies’ (about one day))

Question 51

What is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

Answer 51

The internal biological clock, fundamental to the survival of all living organisms, influencing hormones that play a role in sleep and wakefulness, metabolic rate, and body temperature.

The source of this internal biological clock is called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

The SCN controls important functions that are synchronised with the sleep/wake cycle, including melatonin levels, body temperature, hormone secretion, urine production, and changes in blood pressure.

Question 52

What other factors influence the amount and the quality of sleep?

Answer 52

• age – infants need more (12-14 hours) compared to adults
• caffeine – coffee, tea, and cola drinks
• alcohol – inhibits deep sleep
• smoking – experience withdrawal during the night
• high-stress levels
• certain foods
• some medications – diet pills, decongestants and antidepressants

Question 53

What strategies can be offered to improve sleeping patterns?

Answer 53

• set a schedule or time for sleep
• exercise (however, avoid exercise to close to bedtime)
• avoid activating the brain before bedtime
• avoid watching TV in bed (better still remove it completely)
• take a warm bath
• reduce stressful activities
• the bedroom should be in complete darkness (blackout blinds)
• avoid bedside digital display clocks
• avoid caffeine less than six hours before bed
• avoid nicotine, and alcohol (alcohol and nicotine disturb sleep)
• relax before bed
• don’t go to bed too full or too hungry
• sleep until sunlight
• control the room temperature (lower temperature improves sleep)

Question 54

Conducting static tests provides important information regarding what?

Answer 54

the client’s current health status.

Test results will dictate the outcome

careful attention must be paid to the order of test administration as inappropriate order will lead to inaccurate results

Question 55

Give a list of static tests.

Answer 55

• resting heart rate (RHR)
• blood pressure (BP)
• body composition
• skinfold
• bio-electrical impedance
• body mass index (BMI)
• waist to hip ratio
• lung function

Question 56

What is the purpose of testing physical fitness?

Answer 56

to establish a client physical fitness profile.

Each test allows the PT to assess a specific component of physical fitness and record the client’s strengths and weaknesses.

Data from specific tests are assessed against standard reference tables for each component of physical fitness. Current fitness baselines are then established, which are then used to write a client-specific exercise programme.

Question 58

Name some physical fitness tests.

Answer 58

power

• vertical jump (VJ)
• standing broad jump (SBJ)

muscular strength and endurance

• sit-up
• back extension
• repetition maximum tests

cardiorespiratory

• Balke treadmill
• Multistage fitness test
• Cooper 1.5-mile run
• Cooper 3-mile walk
• Queens College step
• other ergometer tests

specific range of movement (ROM)

• soleus and gastrocnemius
• hamstrings
• quadriceps and hip flexors
• adductors
• pectoralis major
• latissimus dorsi

Question 59

Select tests that match the needs, goals and capabilities of the client. Not all tests are suitable for all clients. Give an example.

Answer 59

a previously sedentary client will need to develop cardiorespiratory fitness. Selecting a test such as the vertical jump test (VJT) would be totally inappropriate and potentially high risk. In this case, since fitness levels are low a sub-maximal cardiorespiratory test would be more suitable.

Question 60

To accurately assess the client’s health and fitness status, tests should be selected that are valid, reliable and objective.
What does the guideline for equipment say in regards to ensure test validity and reliability?

Answer 60

equipment used should be of good quality, regularly inspected and well maintained

Question 61

To accurately assess the client’s health and fitness status, tests should be selected that are valid, reliable and objective.
What does the guideline for the client say in regards to ensure test validity and reliability?

Answer 61

It is imperative for test accuracy and thus validity, that the trainer ensures each client arrives in a ‘neutral state’ (variables reduced to a minimum).

Failure to do this will void the test.

This can be achieved by listing the pre-test procedures on the back of an appointment card to be handed to the client on the initial booking. Be sure the client has followed the guidelines prior to testing.

Question 62

What may guidelines to be followed by the client be in regards to ensure test validity and reliability?

Answer 62

1. Consumption:

• avoid heavy meals less than three hours prior to the test
• avoid drinking excessive alcohol during the day before the test and altogether on the day of the test
• avoid drinking coffee, tea, cola or any caffeinated beverage two hours prior to the test
• avoid smoking for at least two hours prior to the test

2. Action:

• avoid exercising or any form of strenuous physical activity on the day of the test
• have a good night’s sleep the evening before the test
• avoid using a jacuzzi, sauna or sunbed less than two hours prior to the test

3. Medical:

• avoid or cancel the assessment if you have a temperature or feel unwell
• bring with you any current medication e.g. inhalers

4. Clothing:

• wear appropriate clothing e.g. trainers

Question 63

To accurately assess the client’s health and fitness status, tests should be selected that are valid, reliable and objective.
What does the guideline for timing say in regards to ensure test validity and reliability?

Answer 63

time of day can influence the results since client temperature, hydration levels and activity levels change throughout the day.

A female client’s phase of the menstrual cycle can influence the accuracy of results due to fluctuation in body temperature and fluid levels.

If possible, the time of day should be kept constant. If not, this must be recorded and taken into account.

Question 64

To accurately assess the client’s health and fitness status, tests should be selected that are valid, reliable and objective.
What does the guideline for environment say in regards to ensure test validity and reliability?

Answer 64

temperature (and humidity) affects the heart rate response to exercise.

Ideally, environmental factors should be kept constant from one assessment to another. If this is not possible, the temperature should at least be recorded and taken into account.

Question 65

The highest levels of professional service should be demonstrated at all times throughout the appraisal process.
What does good duty of care involve?

Answer 65

informing the client of the sensations and feelings to be felt with each test and making sure the client is comfortable at all times. Refer to the trainer code of ethics for working practices.

Question 66

What would be indications for stopping a fitness test?

Answer 66

Tests should be stopped immediately and clients referred in the following circumstances:

• the onset of angina-like symptoms
• significant drop (20mmhg) in systolic blood pressure or failure of the systolic blood pressure to rise with an increase in activity
• excessive rise in blood pressure: systolic pressure >260 mmHg or diastolic pressure >115 mmHg
• signs of poor perfusion: light-headedness; confusion; ataxia; pallor; cyanosis; nausea; or cold, clammy skin
• failure of the heart rate to increase with increased exercise intensity
• a noticeable change in heart rhythm
• client requests to stop
• physical or verbal manifestations of severe fatigue
• failure of the testing equipment

Question 67

What is a Client/trainer agreement?

Answer 67

this is a finalised agreement between client and trainer detailing the working practices and responsibilities associated with both parties.

Details should include the service being offered, the parties involved, a working timeline (e.g. 3, 6 months or longer), the costs and payment process and finally details of cancellation procedures.

Question 68

What is a “Goals inventory”?

Answer 68

this allows the PT to identify the client’s objectives and their current levels of motivation. Knowing a client’s goals allows the trainer to adopt the most appropriate strategy. For example, test selection and the style of communication. In addition, goals give focus and increase motivation

Question 69

What does Re-evaluation mean for the Personal trainer?

Answer 69

A vital element of the appraisal process is an ongoing reassessment and evaluation of progress.

The PT should plan in specific dates that fit in with the time periods for short and medium-term goal achievement to test and evaluate various indicators that the goals set are actually being accomplished.

An evaluation may cover health markers such as blood pressure, physical shape and body composition, physical fitness as assessed through various fitness tests, nutritional and dietary changes and finally behavioural and lifestyle habits and routines.

Question 70

What entails Client confidentiality?

Answer 70

In 1998 the Data Protection Act (DPA) was introduced to give and protect the rights of individuals who have personal information held about them, and places obligations on those individuals (data controllers) with legitimate reasons for recording, processing and using personal information. This means data controllers need to justify the purpose for which personal information is to be processed, and the benefits that will be gained by the client.

Question 71

To comply with the DPA (the law) the PT must obey obligations when holding personal information.
Firstly, PTs need to follow the eight principles of good practice. These state that data must be:

Answer 71

1. Fairly and lawfully processed
2. Processed for limited purposes
3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive
4. Accurate and up to date
5. Not kept longer than necessary
6. Processed in accordance with the individual’s rights
7. Secure
8. Not transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area unless the country has adequate protection for the individual

Question 72

To comply with the DPA (the law) the PT must obey obligations when holding personal information.

For personal information to be fairly processed, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

Answer 72

1. The individual has consented to the processing
2. Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with the individual
3. Processing is required under a legal obligation (other than one imposed by the contract)
4. Processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the individual
5. Processing is necessary to carry out public functions e.g. administration of justice
6. Processing is necessary in order to pursue the legitimate interests of the data controller or third parties (unless it could unjustifiably prejudice the interests of the individual)

Question 73

To comply with the DPA (the law) the PT must obey obligations when holding personal information.

The client has several rights stated by the DPA over all personal information held by the data controller (personal trainer), these include:

Answer 73

1. The right to subject access – clients have full access to personal information held about them, whether it is recorded electronically or manually
2. The right to prevent processing – the client can ask the data controller not to process personal information held if they feel it causes distress or harm to them or others
3. The right to prevent processing for direct marketing – the client can ask the data controller not to use personal information for direct marketing purposes
4. The right to compensation – the client will be able to claim compensation from the data controller for damage and distress caused by the misuse of personal information held about them
5. The right to rectification, blocking, erasure and destruction – clients can apply to the courts to rectify, block or destroy information held by the data controller if they feel the data controller has misused/or based their opinions on inaccurate information
6. The right to ask the Information Commissioner’s Office (body to promote and enforce the DPA) to assess whether the Act has been contravened – clients can ask the commissioner to make an assessment if they feel that their personal information has not been processed in accordance with DPA

Question 74

What other consideration should be given to when it comes to Data Protection?

Answer 74

• writing is legible
• writing is in black permanent ink
• information is in a clear and logical format
• all entries are dated and signed • any corrections must be initialled and dated
• correction fluid must not be used
• any advice given to the client is recorded within 24 hours
• all subjective and objective information is recorded
• the trainer’s full signature must appear on each page
• client records are stored securely in a lockable fireproof cabinet at all times
• all records are confidential and not accessible to third parties
• client records are retained for a minimum of eight years
• client records are only released with the client’s written permission

Question 75

To comply with the DPA (the law) the PT must obey obligations when holding personal information.

What is the second obligation?

Answer 75

The second obligation states that data controllers must inform the Information Commissioner about themselves, the kind of information they intend to hold and the purpose for which that information is to be processed. A form can be completed online at www.dpr.gov.uk. The notification form should then be printed off and sent by post with a fee of £35 to:
Notification Department, Information Commissioner’s Office, P.O.Box 66, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AX

Question 76

Preparing for consultation
To ensure success the trainer must prepare for the consultation with meticulous detail.

The trainer needs to consider four areas:

Answer 76

• the environment
• the consultant
• the client
• the process

Question 77

What does it entail when the trainer needs to consider the environment?

Answer 77

It will be important that the environment is suitable for helping create the appropriate consultation climate.

The room should make the client feel relaxed and at ease.

They should be able to communicate with the trainer in private and be sure they will not be interrupted.

An area should be prepared for the purpose of conducting consultations if this is possible.

Question 78

What may be considered when preparing the environment?

Answer 78

• private room
• clean and tidy
• well decorated
• bright colour
• appropriate pictures
• free from distractions
• no barriers (such as a desk between people)
• comfortable chairs at an appropriate angle (about 90 degrees) and appropriate distance

Question 80

How important is clothing for the PT?

Answer 80

As the consultant the PT will need to consider the image they portray and the impression they want to give.

Clothes and personal presentation are all part of the client’s surroundings so the PT must ensure they dress comfortably and professionally.

Question 81

What characteristics should the successful consultant have?

Answer 81

• good communication skills
• positive body language and good posture
• be genuine and empathetic
• professional
• organised
• able to maintain confidentiality
• non-judgemental

Question 82

The PT should take measures to ensure that the client is prepared in what way?

Answer 82

• appropriate clothing for both static and dynamic testing
• have completed pre-consultation paperwork (e.g. PAR-Q, questionnaires)
• arrive in a neutral state for an appointment:

1. no caffeinated beverages for 2-3 hours previous
2. no smoking for 2-3 hours previous
3. no alcohol 24 hours previous
4. no exercise 2-3 hours previous
5. full nights sleep before
6. minimal stress and relaxed

Question 83

Why is the ability to quickly develop rapport with a client important?

Answer 83

is vital in setting the mood and establishing a climate that is conducive to open communication. The word ‘rapport’ implies a harmonious relation or emotional affinity between two or more people.

Question 84

What are the aims of good questioning in communicating with the client?

Answer 84

• to be able to draw appropriate information out of the client
• to encourage two-way communication with the client
• to further explore issues, concerns and barriers
• to clarify or confirm information already shared

Question 85

What are the main three categories of types of questions?

Answer 85

• closed questions
• open questions
• indirect questions

Question 86

What are less effective questioning techniques?

Answer 86

• ill-formed questions, such as leading and loaded questions
• double bind questions
• multiple questioning

Question 87

What are Closed questions’

Answer 87

Those that can be answered with yes or no.

Question 88

What are Open questions?

Answer 88

may start with how, what, or why thus avoiding a one-worded response. Allows for a more elaborate answer.

Question 89

What are Indirect questions?

Answer 89

a softer way of gaining information from a client and often feel less intrusive and to the point. These questions tend to soften the approach with a short preparatory phrase that leads into the question.

Like, I was wondering - I am pleased to hear

Question 90

What are Leading questions?

Answer 90

that direct the client towards the type of response the PT would prefer to hear and make it difficult to disagree.

don’t you think

why don’t you book

wouldn’t it be better

Question 91

What are loaded questions?

Answer 91

by design demand a certain answer by pre-empting the actual question with a brief statement that sets the questioners views and intent and as a result makes disagreeing seem illogical or discordant.

Question 92

What are Double bind questions?

Answer 92

limit the client to only two options and as such restrict their ability to answer freely

Question 93

What are Multiple questions?

Answer 93

have several queries asked within the same sentence. They usually require several different answers and as such can be confusing for the client.

Question 94

What a good Guidelines for questioning?

Answer 94

• the best questions tend to be short and simple
• make sure the purpose of the question is understood
• construct questions to find out information of value from the client
• questions need to serve the client’s interests and needs

Question 95

What are other guidelines The PT also needs to keep in mind when constructing questions?

Answer 95

• emphasise open, closed or indirect questions to achieve the aim
• use words that match the language style the client uses
• be encouraging and supportive when asking questions; avoid interrogation
• be prepared for and allow pauses for thought
• positively acknowledge their responses. Use verbal and non-verbal methods (but don’t overdo it)
• if the client is struggling then clarify your question

Question 96

What is active listening for the PT?

Answer 96

Active listening is an important skill to master. It is all about paying attention to the client.

As the PT listens they also need to observe: facial expressions; gestures and posture as these give messages and show how a person feels

Question 97

How should goals be set?

Answer 97

Goals should stretch an individual to achieve, but be within their grasp and capabilities. Goals set beyond reach can serve to de-motivate once it becomes apparent that they cannot be achieved. It is important that the trainer understand that it is not their job to impose goals upon the client.

A skilled trainer will work with a client and facilitate the creation of objectives that have been drawn from thoughts and ideas from both parties

Question 98

What information should an action plan include?

Answer 98

1. Define point A – a summary of their current health and fitness as it is now

2. Define point B – identifying the various aims of the client through SMART goals across various stages of time including short, medium and long term

3. Determine key landmarks – identifying the necessary changes that need to be made along the way to most effectively reach each objective

4. Identify possible routes – identify multiple options and possibilities that will lead the client towards each objective in order to have several possible routes to success

5. Decide the preferred route – agree with the client which options or possibilities would be most suitable for their life and circumstances

6. Plan the journey – mapping out a step-by-step strategy showing how the preferred options will be implemented over time until the short, medium and long term objectives are achieved

7. Trainer/client contract – make an agreement on what the client promises to do and what the PT will promise to do to reach the agreed destination and goals

Question 99

Goals should cover a variety of areas and be holistic in nature. Areas that can be covered in a holistic goal setting model include

Answer 99

• health and fitness
• physical performance and improvement
• psychological, beliefs and behavioural
• daily lifestyle factors
• social implications, peer groups and habits
• functional capacity throughout daily life

Question 100

How can Involving others help?

Answer 100

It can be a significant help to involve family or peers as a support network to aid in goal achievement. Friends and family who are in contact with the client more often than the PT will be able to have a more regular influence on them. A significant other may agree to join in with the nutritional changes. A friend may agree to become a training partner and encourage them at the gym each session. This will all support and motivate a client in their journey towards success.