This course focuses on exercise assessment for clients. An important goal of any exercise program should be to provide both safe and effective exercises to the participants. Many exercise movements are controversial in the exercise industry. These exercises may be considered safe for some, but not for others. As trainers we need the tools to evaluate the cost/benefit ratio for our clients. The
exercise evaluation includes six questions that determine what makes an exercise safe. A biomechanically sound exercise may not be appropriate for an individual because of a physical condition and/or his or her age, and an exerciser’s rendition of a sound exercise may not be a quality movement. According to ACSM, there are five exercises that are not recommended for anyone in the general population. These will be demonstrated and explained. Handouts showing additional contraindicated exercises, and the most current exercises considered dangerous will be shown and expained. An exercise may not hurt you or most fit people around you. It may not even cause a problem for the unfit person during a single exercise session. The repetition of the risky exercise over a period of weeks, months, and years leads to the damage, and may hinder their ability or desire to continue an exercise program.