Designing an Exercise Program

The first step in designing an exercise program is to perform an analysis of the clients needs. However, given the very general and ambiguous way in which client's may express their goals the instructor should avoid making premature judgements as to what the desired physiological adaptations really are. The instructor should also realize that clients are often cautious about how they express themselves. For example, a young man may say that he wants to become stronger when he really wants to become more muscular and look stronger.

Clients commonly state that they need to 'tone up' or improve 'general fitness'. However, these terms mean different things to different people and the instructor must translate them into more meaningful and specific physiological goals such as losing body fat, building muscle mass or improving aerobic (cardiovascular) capacity.

Obviously, the interview process which occurs prior to planning an exercise program is a vitally important step in exercise prescription. After the client expresses his or her goals the instructor should explain, in a way that can be understood by the participant, the physiological adaptations that are required to bring about those perceived needs. This process allows clients to re-evaluate their aims whilst also ensuring that the instructor does not misinterpret the client's ambitions. Obviously, the final step in the process involves informing the client of the best way to achieve the desired goals.

To be entirely effective an instructor must also explain what can and can not be expected as a result of various training methods. Few clients will blindly follow a program if they are unsure as to how and why it will benefit them. It is often equally important to explain why certain exercises will not be done in order that the client's preconceived ideas do not influence their adherence to an appropriately constructed program. For example, many people who wish to lose weight ask why they have not been given more exercises for their 'problem areas'. However, as a vast majority of instructors know, working on one particular muscle group has no localized effect on the body fat in that region.

Program design will be influenced by the client's commitment levels, training background, medical condition, exercise preferences, co-ordination levels and ultimately by the amount of time available for exercise. Furthermore, equipment availability and the provision of adequate supervision are also factors which require consideration.

Because of the limitations mentioned above it is rarely possible to prescribe a training program which is based purely on sound scientific principles. It must also be acknowledged that the most effective programs are often quite dull whilst the most enjoyable programs are sometimes less effective. For example, aerobic dance classes are by no means the most physiologically effective method of improving the aerobic and cardiovascular capacities of a large group of individuals, however, they appeal to a significantly greater number of people than do most alternative training methods. As program adherence is one of the most important factors influencing the realization of long term fitness goals this apparent trade off is obviously an acceptable one.