fi tness testing
FINGER ON THE PULSE
SHOULD FITNESS TESTING BE A MORE ONGOING PROCESS IN OUR GYMS – AND IF SO, HOW? KATE CRACKNELL ASKS THE EXPERTS FOR THEIR THOUGHTS
progress properly after that, adjusting their goals if need be, or are we simply setting them on a path without ever checking if they’ve reached their destination? Even exercise management systems often report only the
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degree to which a member has completed his or her pre-set workout, rather than how well they’re completing each exercise or how their physiology is changing as a result.
DAVID CUMMIN SALES DIRECTOR TELEHEALTH SOLUTIONS LTD
We need to use whatever tools we have at our disposal to encourage members to take control of their own fitness regime, yet the first thing we do is put up a huge barrier by telling them to make an appointment. This is vital for a first assessment; testing bloods, for example will always need to be supervised in a club environment. However, self-monitoring should subsequently be the way to go. Technology such as the CardioPod – a
self-service iPad-like device – has been developed to manage a multitude of
itness testing is often used as part of a member’s induction – a way to set the scene and work out what his or her fitness goals should be. But are we tracking our members’
Given how vital actually seeing results can be to
motivation levels, should we be doing more to integrate ongoing fi tness testing into the gym experience? After all, although a member may well feel more energised thanks to their workout, or even know deep down that they’re benefi ting their long-term health by exercising, what could be more motivating than regular feedback and updates that show without question their improvements in strength, percentage body fat, VO2 max or resting heart rate? We ask our panel of experts for their thoughts on how to make fi tness testing ongoing, interactive and motivational.
tests ranging from unsupervised (vital signs, BMI, pulse oximetry, Spyrometry, carbon monoxide, GPPAQ, AUDIT-C, Qrisk2, Framingham) to fully supervised top-to-toe assessments. The wide range of tests
possible without supervision empowers members to monitor
themselves at a time that suits them, without the need to engage an instructor, thereby impacting positively on staffi ng resources. The results are also presented in a dynamic and striking way, ensuring the member is not only informed but also motivated. For many members, there’s also the
The CardioPod: Allows members to self-assess 44
fear of being judged by the instructor who’s testing them. This can be very demotivating and lead to a loss of self-confi dence. Using self- monitoring technology, a member can view his or her own progress without this fear. It’s also generally recognised that people tend to be more truthful when answering questions unsupervised on a touch- screen; they don’t feel compelled to enter a value that will make the instructor think better of them, and so results will be more accurate.
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
MIKE DYOS MD/CEO FITECH
A fitness assessment provides the starting point from which a member’s progress can be charted and evaluated. The assessment process itself, and
the tools used, are an important feature of the membership package. Clubs that offer advanced, comprehensive assessments will stand out; if these are used as part of an ongoing programme, clubs will also see a higher percentage of members
Clubs that
offer advanced, comprehensive assessments will stand out
march 2011 © cybertrek 2011
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