PHYSICAL ACTIVITY READINESS





WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE READY FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?



At PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH, there are two aspects that I explore when determining readiness for physical activity. The first is dictated to me by my ethical principles and my professional liability insurance. There are two forms: the PAR-Q and the PARMED - X,  that I am required to use. The forms were developed by Canada's health care system and are very useful in

identifying the clients that should not engage in exercise or who should

consult a physician before exercising. A comprehensive health history is taken along with the other two forms and is a necessary aspect of screening for readiness to exercise. A physician's clearance will always be obtained by PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH, for clients that have known medical conditions, before implementing a program.

The second aspect of readiness is based on 3 stages of the theoretical model
of change (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1984).


The Pre-Contemplation stage is where the client is unaware that they need to
change or is not seeking to change.


The Contemplation stage is where the client is actively seeking information
sources and recognizes the need to change.


The Action stage is where the client wants to change and is committed to
doing whatever it takes to make the change.


It is important to help the client move from pre-contemplation and
contemplation to action. Those clients that will be successful are those who
are in the Action stage of change. I try to identify the stage the client
is in before I actually see them. Sometimes it is not that easy. A careful
interview will ensure the client's realistic understanding of the commitment
that is necessary for exercise, weight loss or nutritional programs to be
successful.

Once I have determined that the client is physically as well as mentally on
target, I can proceed with the pre-testing, design and implementation.


CALL ME NOW…

THAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN IDENTIFYING

YOUR READINESS TO CHANGE.


PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH

903-758-9765

| Aerobic Capacity (METS) & Aerobic Fitness Assessment | Exercise Attitude & History |
| Muscular Fitness Assessment | Nutritional Evaluation & Support | Personalized Program Design |
| Physical Activity Readiness | Pilates-Based Exercise Techniques | Program Implementation |
| Progressive Relaxation Techniques | Weight Analysis & Measurements | What is Fitness? |


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