Other Diagnostics In the mid 1990s, I was one of the
few kinesiologists to begin a career in the fitness sector rather than in a rehabilitative setting. When I first started personal training, I had clients take a detailed seven-day dietary log. I entered the data into a Mosby Diet Analysis program that we were taught in school. The software analyzed food intake
and energy expenditure and then spit back numbers based on dietary ref- erence intakes, recommended nutri- ent intakes and Canada’s Food Guide recommendations. The result of this approach? In my
experience, three words: confusion, regression and neuroticism. These reports were difficult to understand and even more difficult to implement. Clients were not making the type of progress they deserved for the effort expended, and at times even went backward. Measuring food intake and counting calories was tedious and re- sulted in neurotic clients who were al- ways on the verge of quitting. Food allergy testing was the next
big thing. You could do some exten- sive (and expensive) blood work or a less invasive (but still rather expen- sive) finger prick test. I find that many people present
with dairy, wheat and egg intoleranc- es. Rather than testing, why not just remove these foods from their diets for six to eight weeks and then gradu- ally reintroduce them? I’ve found that this often cures common complaints like bloating, gas, indigestion, acid re- flux, throat hoarseness, leaky nose, de- pressed immunity and headaches. It also eliminates a persistent stressor–
an insidious source of cortisol that of- ten goes unrecognized. Cortisol can contribute to fat deposition, particu- larly android fat (AKA “big belly” syn- drome). There’s an easy way to man- age this hormone, and no testing is required. Simply eat breakfast each morning, consume five to six small meals over the day at 2.5-3-hour inter- vals, and remove common food trig- gers. Nothing earth-shattering! Have clients try this first and see how it goes before considering a diagnostic such as the Adrenal Stress Index panel.
When the pieces of the puzzle are
not big and evident, testing may be necessary. But for most clients, I’ve found that personal training is enough of a commitment. Imposing additional time, money and effort into testing is really unnecessary. Get them started on the path to good health with proper training and eating habits. Of course, if they don’t progress as expected, there may be an underlying anomaly that requires attention, and diagnos- tics are necessary. In my experience, however, this is more of an exception than a rule. Many times you are better off guessing than assessing! FBC
John Paul Catanzaro is a member of the Ontario Kinesiology Association and a certified exercise physiologist with a specialized honours degree in kinesiology and health science. He owns a private facility in Richmond Hill, Ontario, provid- ing training and nutritional consulting services. John Paul has just released a new webinar called Strength Training Parameters and Program Design (
www.strengthwebinar.com). For more information, visit
www.catanzarogroup.com or call 905-780-9908.
May/June 2013 Fitness Business Canada 33
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