Fitness Training and the Three Body Types

There is a theory that classifies the human body into 3 physical types.

1. Skinny
2. Muscular
3. Fat             

William Herbert Sheldon was a psychologist, eugenicist and medical professor who developed a theory that there are 3 predominant body types or somatypes:

1. Ectomorph: This body type is slight and lean. Ectomorphs are low in visible muscle and fat but may be high in endurance capacity. The ectomorph could excel in sports such as distance running, cross country skiing or endurance cycling. Think of Jim Ryun, Greg Lemond, or Bjorn Dahlie. Since we're talking Sheldon's Theory - yes Sheldon from 'Big Bang Theory' is a perfect example of an ectomorphic  physical build.
2. Mesomorph: This body type is muscular and built for speed and power events.The star quarterback , the track and field sprint star, or the champion bodybuilder usually fit this mold. Real life examples might be football's Tim Tebow, sprinter Usain Bolt, and bodybuilder and later California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. 
3. Endomorph: This body type stores fat easily and may tend towards obesity if the lifestyle is unchecked. However endomorphs can combine strength and mass to excel in sports requiring these traits. Football offensive linemen, weight throwers in track and field, heavyweight powerlifters, and 'Worlds Strongest Man' competitors are usually endomorphs, Think of Olympic weight lifter Vasily Alexeev, strength champion Magnus ver Magnesson or Canadian shot putter Dylan Armstrong. Throw in a ZZ Top beard and some hard core tattoos and you get your typical Biker bar bouncer. Mess with these guys at your peril!

   I first came across Sheldon's theory when I was in High School. I stumbled upon a copy of Popular Mechanic magazine from the late 1960's. According to the article, each person has some characteristics of each somatype on a scale of 1 to 7. The dominant body type has the highest. The article profiled hockey players. Bobby Hull - nicknamed the Golden Jet- was a perfect mesomorph scoring a 1-7-1. He rated 1 in endomorphic qualities, 7 in mesomorphic - and 1 in ectomorphic. Bobby Hull was hockey's fastest skater and terrorized goalies with the world's fastest slapshot.

Bobby Hull was a fast twitch muscle, mesomorphic beast!

   There appears to be a logical correlation between two body somatypes and muscle fiber characteristics.

• Ectomorphs tend to be lower in explosive fast twitch muscle fibers but higher in slow twitch muscles that are efficient in cardiovascular endurance.
• Mesomorphs are lower in slow twitch fibers and dominant in fast twitch fibers.
• Endomorphs can be dominant in either muscle fiber type. It is less common to see endomorphs excel in endurance events but not unrealistic. I personally know people with round shaped body types who compete successfully in full length Ironman Triathlons. An endomorph with dominant fast twitch muscle fiber can become a human wrecking machine on a power/strength program.

      People can have characteristics of all body types with varying degrees of dominance. Bruce Jenner was a mesomorphic track and field decathlete almost 40 years before his back-up role on 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians'. The decathlete is almost often a mesomorphic monster. Jenner also ran a smoking 1500 meters race indicating strong ectomorphic tendencies as well.
   This does not mean that people can't change their physical shape. Ectomorphs can slowly add muscle with proper resistance training. Conversely, they can morph into round, overweight body shapes with a sedentary lifestyle. Inactive mesomorphs can pile on fat quickly or shed visible muscle with extensive endurance training, Endomorphs can shed weight and add muscle.

   Numerous scientist have tried to critique Sheldon's theories. In terms of the physiological aspects, the theory seems to have survived much official scrutiny.
   What does this mean for Fitness Trainers? It might help to have an idea of your client's dominant body type. A visual assessment should give you an idea. Obviously you want to work on the client's weaknesses. An overweight endomorph should  work on weight reduction and cardiovascular issues. However, remember the golden rule of Fitness Training.   Set your client up for success.
 The same client may respond enthusiastically to strength training exercises.
An ectomorph will likely perform better at endurance work than strength work. A mesomorph will respond physically to a strength and power regime. Gauge the body type!
Develop according to strength as well as weakness. Coordinate the goals of the client with their physical attributes. Use the body type to their advantage. 

The 3 body types from left to right
Endomorph.............Mesomorph...........Ectomorph
Publisher's note: No, the one on the right is not the 'Golden Jet'!

Until Next Time,..
Keep Fit!

Little Bobby Strong      

   

Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com

Fitness Trainer Hall of Shame : Jillian M.

I really do try to avoid judging other Fitness Trainers.
 However there are instances in which those in the public eye give a negative impression. I can no longer hold back from  a written rant. As usual, the names of the perpetrators have been abbreviated to buffer the criticism.

    There is a popular reality television show called "The Biggest Loser". The premise of the show is that extremely overweight contestants compete to lose weight for a cash prize.  The contestants get all hyped by these drill sergeant type Fitness Trainers who cajole them to push themselves physically and expose themselves emotionally.
Contestants have been known to lose half their body weight in six months. 

    The so called Fitness Trainers on this show use questionable tactics to get the contestants to lose such massive amounts of weight. The number one offender is Jillian M.

• Jillian M. is heralded as a celebrity 'Fitness Trainer to the Stars'.
• Jillian M. has best selling fitness books on the market.
• Jillian M. has been on two reality T.V.shows, 'The Biggest Loser' and 'Losing It With Jillian'.  

    A Google search of Jillian M. turns up all of the celebrity praise. However it also turns up a few controversial issues. Well, maybe more that a few. Lets see what the search turns up:

• Jillian M. endorses questionable supplements. I'm usually willing to cut some slack on this one. She is far from the only Fitness Trainer pushing supplements. My current opinion is that unless someone is deficient in a certain vital ingredient, the addition of a mega dose of that ingredient is pointless. Internet rumor has her being sued for promoting unsafe supplements. In fact, this is the 4th time that she has been sued for this sort of promotion.  
• Her credentials as a Fitness Trainer have been often questioned. She has actually threatened a defamation suit against the sources of this doubt. Her credentials and certificates supposedly are current and up to date. When you are a public figure you CAN be a target of haters! But why so many haters and why all these lawsuits? 
• Countless Fitness Trainers on the Internet deride Jillian M. for having reality show contestants perform unsafe exercises for people of such massive weight. Having reluctantly watched the show, I concur. The show's producers may be somewhat to blame as well. They want action and conflict. That's what sells!
• Internet sources also accuse our beleaguered Jillian of teaching improper technique. I will assume that she is not in total control of what exercises are prescribed.The Hollywood powers that be likely dictate the terms.
•  Jillian M. acts like a profane, foul mouthed bully according to on line fitness pundits. I don't think I can defend her on this one.
• Jillian M. is a disgrace to the fitness profession because she crashed and burned at a triathlon competition. Ease up you haters. She's human - not Wonder Woman! I've bonked on a few marathons and almost succumbed to the soul sucking succubus of glycogen depletion on a run-bike-run race. I give her a mulligan on this one.

 Make no mistake. Jillian M. is attractive!  Jillian M. is super fit and super ripped! Women want to look like her! Men want her as their Personal Trainer! That's why Hollywood wooed her for 'The Biggest Loser". Jillian M. has that rare quality known as charisma. They don't want some boring exercise fanatic who rhymes off muscle attachments and muscle mechanic movements during every exercise challenge. Hollywood wants star quality!

    I went on line and watched the first episode of 'Losing It With Jillian'. Jillian M.  is invited to work with a fitness challenged and likely emotionally dysfunctional family. True to form, Jillian M. cajoles, encourages and even bullies this family to eat properly and get up and move before the deadline of a daughter's wedding.  Jillian got the family to shape up after a few emotional breakdowns. That is my major issue with this episode. This family obviously had some major emotional issues and psychological dysfunction.Maybe the show used professional resources to help Jillian M. deal with this. However the show made it seem as though our super Fitness Trainer solved everything herself. Such obvious dysfunction requires a referral to nutritional and medical professionals. 

   The beauty of television is that we have options.

1. We can turn the channel and choose not to watch a particular program
2. We can seek out only educational or enlightening shows - if you can find them
3. We can turn the television set off and do anything else

Since I am a fitness aficionado I did watch a few episodes of  "The Biggest Loser".  I saw many actions unbecoming to what I believe is the essence of Fitness Training. I got annoyed and switched to more inspiring fare such as "Breaking Bad". However I kept hearing about such negative blow back towards the Trainers that I went on line and watched some more recent episodes. This is what I observed.

• The Fitness Trainers were all guilty of putting severely overweight and unconditioned contestants through an exercise program that seems beyond their initial physical capabilities. The prescribed programs could be injury inducing and potentially dangerous. Explosive, ballistic movements or road running on hard concrete for such clients is a recipe for physical undoing. Jillian M.was only one of the violating Trainers. Remember also that the mandate of the show may dictate the plot line. The Fitness Trainers may just be complying with the producers.
• Weight loss is emphasized over health, fitness, and safety. Once again, Jillian M. was not the only violator.
• Jillian M. shouts, intimidates and verbally bullies the contestants under her charge. In group exercise boot camp classes the drill sergeant instructor  seems to be a trend. In a real life one on one scenario, severely overweight clients may have been bullied for much of their life. They may take offence to once again being treated in such a manner. The 'tough love' approach can be a tactic that can backfire. 
• Jillian M. seasons her drill sergeant approach with a great propensity for throwing F-bombs at the contestants in her care. The T.V. show obviously feels that this is a ratings boost. For a real life Fitness Trainer to do this could spell lost clients or lost jobs. Best to leave that language back at the oil rig.
• Jillian M. set up a contestant to fail! This particular episode really rankled me. A woman 'Biggest Loser' contestant was making considerable progress. Then  Jillian went to work on her. Jillian M. commanded the contestant to jump up onto a box that was about 2 plus feet off of the ground. The contestant was psyched out by the height and would not attempt the jump. This induced a crying spell. I suppose she wanted to 'get to the emotional root' of the woman's weight issues.  Why does this bother me? 

1. Trying to make such a jump and missing could lead to injury
2. A single box jump will have no effect on weight loss - or fitness
3. A golden rule of Fitness Training is to "Set your client up for success." Jillian M.  could have used a lower box that the contestant could land on. She wanted a reason to break the contestant. Once again, this makes for good T.V. drama but sets a terrible example for real life Fitness Trainers. 

   It is now time to see if this person deserves to be sentenced to the Fitness Trainer Hall of Shame.
I will deal with Jillian M. as two distinct entities.
There is Jillian M. the celebrity trainer, author, digital media sensation and training video star. This Jillian M. has attracted more than her share of controversy and has many detractors. This may be just the price to pay for being in the public eye. She has garnered financial success and book sales.
She also has legions of admirers. She seems to have weathered the controversies and kept on going.
She has also earned more than most Fitness Trainers can even dream about. There doesn't appear to be enough to sentence her to the Hall of Shame without seeming like sour grapes. This Jillian M.  gets a pass.

Then there is Jillian M. the Trainer of the 'reality' television shows. As role model for proper procedure and protocol for a practicing 'real life' Fitness Trainer' this Jillian M. is a bad example! In her defense, are we seeing the real Jillian M. or are we seeing a caricature created for the viewing audience by the Hollywood factory? In my opinion reality shows are more fabrication and manipulation than actual reality. Jillian M. is not claiming to be a role model for Fitness Trainers and should not be held up as such! This Jillian M. is an entertainer. I also believe that she really does care about the people that she works with.
This entertainer is a ratings money maker - a television icon.  She gets a pass!
The Fitness Trainer caricature goes into the Hall of Shame! There are just too many cringing situations to be used as examples of what a Fitness Trainer should not do!

Bullying your clients until they vomit!  Bad Idea!
Leave that for the reality TV. Trainers!

So there you have it.
I should be nominated to the Supreme Court for that 'split' decision.
Keep raking it in Jillian.
I'll probably turn the channel to watch
'Just Call Saul'!

Until next time,.....Keep Fit

   
Little Bobby Strong   





   


Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com

Fitness Training : Top Ten Signs That You May Be Getting Older!

1. You no longer care about getting stronger. You're too worried about getting gradually weaker!
2. You stop chasing the leaders in the local running road race. You are too busy staying ahead of the stragglers.
3. There is no such thing as a 'mild' head cold.
4. You wake up in the morning and think "Gadzooks! I feel awful. I'll never do that again.!" Then you realize that you didn't do anything.
5. People insist on offering you their seat on the bus.
6. When you bench press, the bar is pushing down harder than you're pushing up.
7. Backaches used to come and go. Now they come but they don't go.
8. If the lat pull down machine at the fitness center is broken it's a minor inconvenience. If the hot tub is broken it's a major emergency.
9. The abs are still there. They're just shy. 
10. You hold a door open at the fitness center for for a woman member and she says "Thank you sir."  SAY WHAT!  I'm not a sir!  Sir was what I called my Dad when he was out of smokes and I brought home a less than stellar report card!

      As a Fitness Trainer you should be able to read your body as age affects your capabilities. 

That doesn't mean that you should give up the ghost as wear and tear and physical limitations

become more noticeable. It does mean that you adjust and adapt! 

    I no longer run due to hip joint issues. I bicycle, walk and swim to compensate. I have had to shut down squats, dead lifts, and leg presses for various reasons. I have replaced them with stair workouts and hard intervals on the stationary bike. My shoulders won't hold up for full range of motion bench presses. Instead I perform half lifts on a chest press machine.

Life goes on and hopefully the exercise and movement continues! 

   A Fitness Trainer working with seniors or a demographic of the Baby Boom generation should be aware that a decline in mobility or physical function can be gradual or sudden and may often be irreversible. The Fitness Trainer must adjust and tailor the exercise program to the specific needs and capabilities of the client. Also remember that any serious dysfunction may require a referral to the appropriate medical practitioner! You may be required  to work as a team with a physician

 or a physical therapist.

   Remember, getting old is not the end!  Instead it is the beginning of a smarter more functional exercise program.

Until Next Time,....Keep Fit

Little Bobby Strong

There are those who accept aging as a natural physiological process.
Then there are the less accepting types!

Links

schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net

AudienceBuilder.ca

www.fitnwell.com

     

Why Your Client May Not Be Like You

   Your typical client may not be quite like you! How so?

• Your favorite school subject was phys-ed - Your client hated it and avoided it
• You participated in sports in High School - They ran with a different crowd
• You never smoked cigarettes - Your client lit up like a campfire
• You can't stand being inside on a sunny day - It's too hot outside for them
• You become restless after too long a period of inactivity - They don't
• You see the weight room as a studio in which to sculpt your physique - Your client sees it as a torture chamber
• To you a vigorous run is a fun, invigorating experience - To them it is a death march
• You look in the mirror and feel good about yourself - Your client looks in the mirror and is ashamed and embarrassed
• You look forward to your workouts with anticipation - Your client looks towards the workouts with trepidation
• You can't wait for a weekend off to perform some sort of competition or fitness challenge or that killer bike ride - They can't wait for a weekend off so they can do nothing physical
• You are able to push yourself to a near physical limit before having to back off - You client may back off long before a physical limit is reached

    Of course this is a sensationalized generalization. Your clients and potential clients can come from a variety of backgrounds. Some may have had an active past but fallen into a sedentary lifestyle. If you work with athletes, they likely had similar backgrounds as you. Your clients and potential clients may well be very talented and extremely successful in other fields. Some of them may have attained high financial status. Those are good clients to cultivate.

   However, there is a good possibility that with non-athlete clients you will get a hit on at least a few of the above points. Go by the premise that your client is not quite like you!

   What is important is that they have decided to make a change! They have come to YOU to make a positive change in their life! Remember that. YOU are their lifeline!

   These potential differences are important when designing a training program for a client. Do not assume that your client likes the same modes of exercise that you prefer. Use your knowledge and innovation to create variety. Set up a program that your client will enjoy. Tailor the prescriptive program towards activities that the client is more likely to enjoy. This is more likely to ensure adherence.
    Greg Harvey of Fit' N' Well in Edmonton Gives his clients options besides weight training and stationary cardio machines. Greg offers indoor volleyball in racquetball courts as well as racquetball and squash options. That is an advantage of working out of fitness centers with such facilities. Greg also offers group walking sessions in the river valley on weekends. That is why he is a successful Fitness Trainer The variety allows more activities that may appeal to different people.

On a sunny day you are frothing like a rabid dog to get outside.
Your client or potential client may think differently.
"It's too hot out there. I'm not leaving the couch today!"

 Set your client up for success! 

 Remember, it's not about you.
 It's about them!

Until next time,...... Keep Fit   

Little Bobby Strong!










Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com

Why I Hate the Biggest Loser !

   I hate 'the Biggest Loser" ! I'm talking, of course, about the reality television show.
 The show's premise is that severely overweight people compete against each other for a lucrative cash prize by trying to lose the most weight over a set period of time. The competitors are divided into two teams and individually weighed at the end of each episode. The team that loses the lowest percentage of total poundage must vote to drop one of their lesser achieving members from the contest. The last person standing wins.
   The creators of this program know the T.V. market.

• They create conflict. This makes for  drama and therefore people watch to see what happens.
• The participants are very motivated. Large cash winnings, in this case a  cool million, will do that.
• The show's creators use a variety of challenges to test the participants. Variety keeps things interesting and keeps the participants motivated.

    The show's creators also seemingly try to keep the contest safe.

• Fitness Trainers guide the clients through the weight loss programs. (I do have some serious issues with the credentials and methods of these Fitness Trainers)  
• Nutrition is emphasized as well as exercise. Nutritionists consult with each person individually.
• Medical experts are present to provide support and in case of emergency.

   In order to survive the prime time war, a television show must attract viewers. The more the competing personalities clash, the more drama occurs. The more infighting the better! If one or more of the contestants have an onscreen meltdown, great. Watch the ratings soar!

   However this is NOT the working model that I would use when dealing with my own clients. In fact, if I saw a Fitness Trainer actually acting like a T.V. trainer I would suggest that they have their certification revoked. That person would be a menace in the fitness world! 
   Here are some of the issues that I have with this particular reality show:

1. It can be a case of too much too soon. These contestants are extremely obese as in 300 or 400 pounds. Instead of a gradual build-up of exercise, they are thrown into a competition in which the quickest weight loss is the goal. There is great potential  for overuse injuries and joint problems. 
2. There is an increased the danger of cardiovascular emergencies such as heart attacks when jumping into intense activity after years of a sedentary lifestyle. Thin and active people can drop dead from hidden medical issues during exercise. Obese people are at greater risk! The T.V. show screens the contestants medically and also has access to on-site medical support. If you are working your clients in a similar fashion and speed, your client is at risk and emergency medical help may not be so close.
3. The show focuses on weight loss only. The other parameters of health and fitness are ignored. If the contestants don't lose enough weight, they are failures. We know that muscle is denser than fat. In many cases the person may actually gain a few pounds initially if their body responds by adding lean mass. Girth and Body Mass Index  measurements are a more reliable indicator of progress. For example, The person may weigh the same or slightly more but the waist circumference is decreasing indicating positive progress. In this reality show, the health of the client is basically disregarded. The fastest weight loser wins, not the healthiest contestant. 
4. Sudden drastic weight loss can be a shock to the human body. In real life, gradual progression is preferable to fast weight reduction.
5. What happens when the show is over and the contestants go home? When there is no follow-up guidance, motivation and exercise adherence often wanes. There may be a severe rebound effect with all of the lost weight returning.
6. The reality show Fitness Trainers tend to be extremely aggressive 'in your face' types. Their usual mode of communication is to shout instructions like a marine drill sergeant. This adds to the dynamics of the show. Most non T.V. clients would likely get intimidated or irritated by such a trainer. A few of these trainers are outright guilty of verbal abuse! Is it not possible that some of these contestants may have been victimized by negative taunts and bullying in the past? Do they really need more of this treatment?  Were these Fitness Trainers to try such tactics with some of my former clients, such as Stephen, Mordecai or Charlie, they would get a return blast that would shatter their eardrums!
7. I question the credentials of these Fitness Trainers. Morbidly obese people should qualify as a special population in regards to potential health issues. The Trainers of this show were recruited because they were famous for working with celebrities.  In Canada, Fitness Trainers should have a minimum of a Bachelor Degree in an Exercise Science related field as well as a Certified Exercise Physiologist Certificate in order to work with special populations. The USA has similar standards with groups such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Council on Exercise. A background search of the Fitness Trainers in "the Biggest Loser' does not reveal any such expertise in working with at-risk individuals. If they do have such credentials, they should list it in their portfolios. This enhanced certification is mostly to appease the insurance companies. The show would be insured and protected legally to the maximum no matter who the trainers are. Reality T.V. is not really that much like real life! 
8. The Fitness Trainers try to induce an emotional breakdown in the contestant. The purpose of this is to get the contestant to admit to some deep rooted psychological issue, a past trauma, or an eating disorder that is at the root of the obesity. In real life such a client should be referred by the Fitness Trainer to a health professional. The actual show does has a staff of such professionals in the background. However the suggestion that the Fitness Trainer deals with this on their own is both misleading and dangerous!
9. Some of the exercises or challenges in the show are outright dangerous for obese people to attempt.  A 400 pound contestant is at risk for joint injuries if subjected to ballistic, explosive movements as is the norm for this show. Likewise would be to have them run long distances. Joint injuries are common and a cardiovascular emergency could be looking for a place to happen.     

   I have already conceded that such a show has the right ingredients to draw a prime time audience. 

That does not make it a model for how Fitness Trainers should operate with their clientele!

Lose a few pounds! Get cursed at by bullying Fitness Trainers!
Do some dangerous exercises! Give up a few of my favorite foods.
I could win this thing!
The million dollar prize sure would come in handy! 

To me, it is too much like watching a
 hockey movie where the actors can't
skate or a running movie where
 someone runs a four minute mile
 with every muscle in their body all
 tensed up. If I can't buy into the realism I won't watch it.   

   If you like watching train wrecks
 this show this show is for you.
 Otherwise turn off the tube and read
 up on the latest Fitness Training

Notice the difference already!
And I haven't even got to the diet changes yet!
A Million bucks - in the jeans!

 research. Do something constructive!

Until next time,......keep fit! 

Little Bobby Strong

  




















Links

schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com

History of Fitness Training: The Lost Muscle Beach Video

   There was a time when when only muscle bound freaks went to the weight room! 
 At least that was the perception by the rest of the world. Surf and sand romance movies of the 1960's pitted the beach blanket bathing suit crowd such as Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon against the dim-witted Muscle Men. The Muscle Men were depicted as overgrown, slow thinking, oafs!
   The scenario has changed from the 1960's to today. Weight training is now an accepted and encouraged activity for athletes, injury rehabilitation patients, housewives, office workers, seniors and weekend warriors. This was more of a gradual evolution. However could there have been a catalyst - a single moment that helped sway the direction of weight training as a positive fitness tool?
Did two ambitious personalities possibly meet and change the course of history?

   Recently an archaeology student was walking through the sandy ruins of what was once Muscle Beach in Venice California. He noticed a relic protruding from the sand. It was a symbol of a past culture -a VHS video tape. The tape was in in rough condition. However the student had a trump card.
He took the tape to Dan Carle, an Ottawa, Canada based sports media legend and current digital media specialist. Dan the Man was able to restore this historic relic to a presentable state.

 Scroll below to the video and prepare to view something very enlightening and quite peculiar.
You may recognize the Muscle Beach titan in the clip!
Take note also of the undercover Miami Vice cop fashion statement of the Fitness Trainer!
Interesting but strange!  
(Note: For best viewing, click to full screen mode.)

Until next time,........Keep fit!

Little Bobby Strong

!

Links

schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
dan@audiencebuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com

Sudden Death Syndrome

   Just prior to the 2012 Olympics, a Norwegian world champion and Olympic medal winning swimmer dropped dead in a bathroom from cardiac arrest. Also around that time, a pro soccer player in England keeled over from a heart attack during a game. Luckily, he survived. A Detroit Red Wings hockey player survived a similar cardiac event during a game. A top American marathoner dropped dead during the 2008 Olympic Trials. Jim Fixx, a famous running guru and running author, died from heart failure while out on a run.  These people were all outwardly healthy and fit athletes.
 
   More inactive people die from cardiac and pathological events than active people. While such occurrences with active people are rare, they are also frightening! How is this a concern for Fitness Trainers? Having a client drop on you can be shocking! Having a client die on you could be a career breaker!  If it can happen to an elite athlete then it could happen to your client. I know a running expert/trainer who was advising a woman client. While he was away on holidays she passed away. It most likely had nothing to do with him but it could easily had happened during one of his workout sessions thus putting him in a dangerous light!
A close friend of mine finished some chores, took an afternoon nap and never woke up. He was my age. He had never had any obvious health problems.
   Hidden conditions of concern include:

• Heart abnormalities such as murmurs, valve issues, and overly thickened heart walls.
• Aneurysms and weakened blood vessel walls.
• Potential blockages of blood flow to the heart or brain.

   Even if you have protected yourself with insurance and a waiver, you don't want such an incident to occur under your watch. Your reputation could be history even if it was just a tragic fluke of genetics.
   How can you lessen the risk? Always screen clients thoroughly! Failure to properly screen is negligence. You want to determine the possibility of hidden heart defects. Use the following procedural tools:

1. Verbal consultation. Discuss health and lifestyle history. The client may admit to to a heath concern that wouldn't come out in the open with just filling out forms.
2. The Par-Q form. If the client checks the 'yes' box of any question,  refer the client to a doctor along with giving them a Par-Med-X form. The doctor can screen the client or clear them with  certain conditions attached.
3. Check blood pressure and heart rate. Readings above 144 systolic or 94 diastolic could be due to underlying pathological concerns. Resting heart rates above 100 beats per minute are also reasons for screening. An initial high reading for BP or HR may be only due to anxiety. However consistently high readings should be a matter of concern.
4. Administer some type of sub-maximal aerobic test.  Any abnormal heart rate reading should be a red flag! If the client fails to physically recover in a timely manner that should also be a red flag!

   If in doubt,.....REFER TO A DOCTOR !!!!!  A physician can test a referred client with an electrocardiogram or other diagnostic tools to discover any cardiac issues or physiological concerns. The doctor can then make recommendations for exercise. Some types of cardiovascular irregularities may still slip  through the screening process undetected.  However, at least the risks can be lessened.
   If somehow, despite your stringent screening process, your client still has what appears to be a cardiac or emergency event during one of your sessions you must act with extreme authority. Avoid panic and follow rehearsed scenarios:

• Initiate the emergency protocol at the fitness center where you operate. This should be known beforehand and arranged with fitness center staff. Emergency services must be called whatever the situation. If you work out in an outside environment, carry a cell phone to call emergency services. If you visit clients at their home for training or have your own studio, have a working phone accessible.
• You must have your CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator training current. If the fitness center you work out of has no defibrillator,  pester them to get one. If you have your own fitness studio, a defibrillator is a wise investment. It would be a tax deductible business expense.

   Pray for the best but prepare for the worst.You want your client breathing hard after your training regime, but still breathing.

   Just before Christmas last year a Canadian Greco Roman wrestling champion died suddenly in bed. This athlete was superbly fit and Herculean in strength but some undetected physiological condition may have been lurking. He was only 25 years old. That does not mean that his extremely intense lifestyle hastened his passing. It may have happened no matter what.

Fortunately such sudden death episodes rarely if ever happen during an Olympics.
There are enough risks and hazards at this years Winter Olympics along with the security concerns.
Let's pray that the only sudden death event that occurs will be the gold medal hockey game.
  
In a perfect health care system every citizen would be tested thoroughly early in life for any potential conditions. Then preventive medicine or precautionary lifestyle measures could be put in place. Unfortunately this could  prove to be too costly and too inconvenient to ever become a reality in any society. It would be awesome if it was!

 I would like to conclude with a few excerpts from a poem I memorized in Grade 9 English class. The poem is  "To an Athlete Dying Young" by A.E. Houseman

The time your won you town the race              

Sudden death syndrome leaves a shocking void.
See you all on the other side!

We chaired you through the market place
Man and boy stood cheering by
And home we brought you shoulder high

Today the road all runners come
Shoulder high we bring you home
And set you at your threshold down
Townsmen of a stiller town 

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man

Until next time,.......keep fit!

Little Bobby Strong

Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank.net
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com