Pre-Exercise Screening and Program Induction Procedure

Purpose. This procedure sets out how instructors screen a new member or client, decide whether a medical referral is needed, conduct the induction and fitness assessment and record the first program.

1.Booking the screening

Reception will book every new member into a screening and induction appointment before issuing an access pass, and will explain that the appointment is a condition of membership. The member will be sent the pre-exercise screening and consent form to complete in advance where possible.

2.Conducting the screening

The instructor will review stage one of the screening form with the member in a private area, will ask follow-up questions about any positive response, and will complete stage two measures such as blood pressure, resting heart rate and body composition where the member consents. The instructor will record the screening outcome in the member and client register.

• Review every stage one question with the member
• Take stage two measures with consent
• Explain what the responses mean for their program
• Record the outcome and any referral

3.Referral and clearance

Where any stage one response is positive, or stage two measures are outside the guideline ranges, the instructor will refer the member to a medical practitioner using the referral letter and will not commence exercise beyond light activity until clearance is received and recorded. Where clearance sets limits, the program will follow them.

4.Gym induction

The induction will cover the floor rules, safe use of each equipment type the member will use, adjustment of machines, spotting and re-racking, emergency procedures and where to find an instructor. The member will demonstrate safe technique on the equipment in their program before being signed off.

5.Fitness assessment and goals

The instructor will discuss the member's goals, assess movement and current fitness using the assessments appropriate to the goal and screening outcome, and agree realistic short and long term goals with the member.

6.Program design and record

The first program will be written from the screening, assessment and goals, with exercises, sets, repetitions, load, intensity and progression, and a review date within six weeks. The program will be recorded in the member and client register and a copy given to the member.

7.Follow-up

The instructor will check in with the member in their first two weeks and at the review date, will progress the program and will record each review. Members not seen for four weeks will be contacted by reception.