Being a committed exerciser is probably 70 percent of the battle toward achieving health, fitness and performance benefits from a program of regular exercise. But, many exercise enthusiasts and athletes are still frustrated when they compare how much time they spend exercising each week against the meager fitness improvements they have seen over an extended period of time. Committing time to exercise is critical, but so is training smart.

A professional personal trainer is someone who can update and change your workouts regularly, motivate you, give you up-to-date fitness and health information, and keep you on target so that you can accomplish your health and fitness goals. A trainer keeps your workouts time efficient and results oriented by keeping them focused and planned, and by tracking your progress.

However, your road to fitness and continued results starts by doing a personal background check. If you want to create an exercise program that is goal and results oriented--or jump start workouts that are not getting you results-you've got to know where you've been.

It's As Easy As 1, 2, 3...
To determine where you've been, you'll fill out a simple one-page medical history form. To determine where you are, you and/or a trainer should perform a series of self-test or assessment evaluations. Finally, to determine where you'd like to go, you'll need to write down your fitness goals.

This quick and easy, three-step plan, will help you identify your current fitness level and personal health situation. Information like this will assist you in creating the most time efficient and effective program, and will give you a starting point from which to compare your fitness improvements over time.

This Week: Where you've been!
Like it or not, we all have a "health-history." Past choices impact your present health. Because of this truth, the most important first step, regardless of your actual fitness and perceived health status, is to print out and complete the following health and fitness medical history questionnaire.

Personal Health and Fitness Medical History Questionnaire

Name: _____________________________
Age: _____
Date: _____________________________
Primary Health Care Provider:
___________________________________
Provider's Contact Number:
___________________________________
Other Health-Care Specialists:
___________________________________

Health History

1. Do you smoke? Yes or No
   If you answered yes, how much do you smoke?
   ___________________________________
   
   
2. Has your doctor ever said your blood pressure was too high or low? Yes or No
   
   
3. Have you (or a family member) ever been told that you have diabetes? Yes or No
   
   
4. Do you have any known cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, previous heart attack, atherosclerosis or an abnormal ECG or EKG?
   Yes or No
   If you answered yes, please describe:
   _________________________________________
   
   
5. Has your doctor ever told you your cholesterol level was high? Yes or No
   
   
6. Are you overweight? Yes or No
   If you answered yes, how much do you think you are overweight? _____________________
   
   
7. Do you have any injuries or orthopedic problems such as a bad back, bad knees, tendinitis or bursitis? Yes or No
   If you answered yes, describe:
   _________________________________________
   
   
8. Are you taking any prescribed medications or dietary supplements?
   Yes or No
   If so, please describe:
   _________________________________________
   
   
9. Are you pregnant or post-partum less than six weeks?
   Yes or No
   
   
10. Date of last physical examination:
    _________________________________________
    
    
11. Do you have any other medical conditions or problems not previously mentioned?
    Yes or No
    If you answered yes, please describe:
    _________________________________________
    
    
12. Describe your current exercise program:
    _________________________________________
    

Even though you may be fit and active--and think you are healthy--filling out a form like this will hold you accountable to your health history, may alert you to a few potential problem areas and highlight the importance of regular medical check-ups and maintaining a current relationship with your health care provider.

Next week: Find out what kind of shape you're in by learning why and how to use simple self-assessment tests!

Recommended reading:
"Your Personal Trainer" by Douglas Brooks, M.S.