First time session with private client

[gaileee]

Hi,
So I'm approaching my first time session with a new client, and in this different facility that I teach at, assessments are not normally done.

It is my opinion, that in order to measure success, one has to take measurements!

Similar to what Sara had wished she had done with you Harlan, a photo at the beginning. This is what I'm thinking.

Body measurements (hips, waist, thighs, calves, biceps, chest)
Body fat measurements
sit and reach
# of curl/crunches in a minute
# of push ups in a minute
fastest time in a 1 mile walk (the rockport test)
resting heart rate
heart rate after 1 mile walk
height
weight
and to also calculate the BMI
A photo, if feasible

Is this too much?

The facility that I teach at charges for this. This is not part of what I do, but I should require it shouldn't I before they start working with me? If the client doesn't do the assessment, what basic things should I measure, and I'm assuming it should be part of the first session.

What are your thoughts? Anyone else do these types or more assessments?

Thank you.
Gaileee

[MarleensYoga]

That would be my first question. If he is concerned about his fitness level then all those tests may make sense. If that is not his prime concern, it seems overkill.

If he just wants to relieve stress, or wants help in healing an injury, all those tests only put more stress on him. It's not very yoga to be so concerned about measuring up to standards.

When I asses a client, I only ask about weight and body fat percentage if they want to lose weight. Else I don't touch that subject.
My physical assessments are in the realm of strength and flexibility. Tight hips? tight hamstrings? Tight shoulders? Left right differences, that sort of thing. And then lots of talking: how do they feel about themselves, what parts of their bodies do not function well, do they stressful jobs, yadayadayada.

[Kiwiyogini]

Hi Ladies
I too ask my clients what their goals are, then decide what I need to measure or work on.

For example recently a client said they wanted general body toning and flexibility. So I took photos of the client in 'their' seated forward bend, standing forward bend and assessed hip flexibility by getting the client to lay on their back and bring one knee towards their chest. I look at what level this is and what the other straight leg is looking like.

After working with the client I re-assess the same areas with photos and look for changes etc.

A really good book that I found helpful is Back Care Basics by Mary Pullig Schatz, MD. This has a really helpful way of assessing bodies and their flexibility.

I'm enjoying the forum, its great to have this support.

Smiles
K

[gaileee]

Good ideas, Ms. Marleen and Ms. Kiwi!

Thank you! My client wants to learn the yoga poses before going into a class, and wants to also work on flexilibility and weight loss. I like the idea of photos during flexilibity postures.

I'll probably do the weight, height, arms/legs/waist/hips/chest measurement, but may leave out the "measurements". I'll have to see how she feels about that.

Thanks once again!
gaileee

[Administrator]

I think it's overkill.

Don't imitate a trainer.

Just assess their body.

And we do have some early photos.

Here is the before picture:



And here's the after:



Anyone notice a difference?

Smile!

Harlan

[gaileee]

Wow! Look at all the work that you've done! Quite a difference I might say!
gaileee

[MarleensYoga]

Awesome job, Harlan!

That is quite the transformation!

[Administrator]

I like to give my yoga teacher some of the credit.

I was not - correction - am not an easy client.

Peace.

Harlan

[jane hb]

Wow! Excellent work! Cheers to you both. I am actually training with Saul David Raye next month. I look forward to your interview with him. Peace & Namaste.