Answers (7)
1
Hi Sandra,
This population of clients can be sensitive as well as self-conscious. My question for you to consider is--is it really necessary to get the measurements on body fat for the obese client? Many fitness assessments that we use may not be suitable for this population. Calipers can be intimidating and embarrassing to some obese clients, and we need to consider whether or not we really need some of the assessments performed. Certainly we want to track progress, which includes body composition, but not all clients are comfortable with this procedure.
For this population, I discuss the assessment with the client. If they are comfortable, I may use a bioelectrical impedance monitor. It may not be as accurate, but as long as you track results with the same mode, then you are able to see progress. If they are not comfortable, then I leave it out. There are other ways to track progress.
Good luck--working with this population is very rewarding!
Christine
This population of clients can be sensitive as well as self-conscious. My question for you to consider is--is it really necessary to get the measurements on body fat for the obese client? Many fitness assessments that we use may not be suitable for this population. Calipers can be intimidating and embarrassing to some obese clients, and we need to consider whether or not we really need some of the assessments performed. Certainly we want to track progress, which includes body composition, but not all clients are comfortable with this procedure.
For this population, I discuss the assessment with the client. If they are comfortable, I may use a bioelectrical impedance monitor. It may not be as accurate, but as long as you track results with the same mode, then you are able to see progress. If they are not comfortable, then I leave it out. There are other ways to track progress.
Good luck--working with this population is very rewarding!
Christine
0
Hi Sandra,
I wholeheartedly agree with Christine. If a client is that overweight that the use of calipers is so difficult and ultimately inaccurate, there is no point.
While I like to include body composition in all my assessments, I make this step (and, ultimately, all of them) optional. I had overweight clients who did not even want to tell me how much they weigh, and even that is okay.
Approaching a trainer is a really big step for a very overweight person. It is hardly necessary for us to point out that they weigh too much; they are usually mortified, scared and embarrassed. Piling on the bad news through a body composition measurement serves no purpose.
At some point in time, you can always open that option again once rapport and trust has been established. I am using near-infrared technology but bio-impedance is another option. But you can just as well use a taped measure. I am a fan of the waist-to-height ratio.
I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
I wholeheartedly agree with Christine. If a client is that overweight that the use of calipers is so difficult and ultimately inaccurate, there is no point.
While I like to include body composition in all my assessments, I make this step (and, ultimately, all of them) optional. I had overweight clients who did not even want to tell me how much they weigh, and even that is okay.
Approaching a trainer is a really big step for a very overweight person. It is hardly necessary for us to point out that they weigh too much; they are usually mortified, scared and embarrassed. Piling on the bad news through a body composition measurement serves no purpose.
At some point in time, you can always open that option again once rapport and trust has been established. I am using near-infrared technology but bio-impedance is another option. But you can just as well use a taped measure. I am a fan of the waist-to-height ratio.
I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
0
I would not use calipers on an obese client, they already know they are obese.
When they are ready:
I would use the scale as one guideline and waist hip measurements. If you can't get a tape measure around them, use string then measure on your own
The point is, make every effort to not cause humiliation.
When they are ready:
I would use the scale as one guideline and waist hip measurements. If you can't get a tape measure around them, use string then measure on your own
The point is, make every effort to not cause humiliation.
0
Hi Sandra,
I would go with one of the hand-held bio-electrical impedance units - Omron makes a pretty decent one & they're pretty affordable, not to mention non-invasive. Just be sure to conduct the tests under normal hydration conditions - before exercise, before consuming a lot of fluids, etc. It's not a perfect method but none of them are.
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
I would go with one of the hand-held bio-electrical impedance units - Omron makes a pretty decent one & they're pretty affordable, not to mention non-invasive. Just be sure to conduct the tests under normal hydration conditions - before exercise, before consuming a lot of fluids, etc. It's not a perfect method but none of them are.
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
0
Hi Sandra. I agree with Paul in that when I'm faced with this situation, I go with the hand-held bio-impedance device. Easy to use, less intrusive and is fairly accurate for baseline purposes.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
0
Sometimes with obese clients I don't even take their body fat. Instead after I perform other types of assessments to make sure they are ready to workout and have no other serious limitations, I slowly introduce them to physical activity. The rest will come in time and when they are ready for a BF test then I'll perform one (I'm a calipers guy). I feel that there are so many other steps they need to take and things to do that will benefit them even more than just knowing their BF%. But, that's just me.
0
Thank you everyone for your input. I agree on all counts - working towards not making clients uncomfortable, and using other methods of measurement.
In a nutshell, sounds like the suggestions lean towards using a bio-impedance device instead of calipers until a client is at a certain (lower) body composition.
Part of the question came from a trainer that works at a 'big box' gym, and they only use calipers. Sounds like he may need to find another way to measure folks. I have a bio-impedance device at my studio, so I am good to go.
In a nutshell, sounds like the suggestions lean towards using a bio-impedance device instead of calipers until a client is at a certain (lower) body composition.
Part of the question came from a trainer that works at a 'big box' gym, and they only use calipers. Sounds like he may need to find another way to measure folks. I have a bio-impedance device at my studio, so I am good to go.
