There is one question that keeps popping up, that honestly surprised me quite a bit…
I’m used to hearing this question quite a bit, but usually not from people who are “established” personal trainers and already in the industry.
So, what’s the question that shocked me?!?
OK, here it is:
“Why is it important to score highly in your anatomy and physiology test?”
“How do I apply my anatomy and physiology test knowledge when working with my clients?”
(My team keeps telling me that those are two separate questions… I’m sorry, I disagree… not only do I think they’re basically the same question but they definitely have the same answer.)
First, what exactly is Anatomy and Physiology?
Anatomy is the study of the structure and relationship between body parts. Physiology is the study of the function of body parts and the body as a whole.
So, why is an anatomy and physiology test and knowledge important for a fitpro?
I have always believed that a fit pro must have an interest and understand the way the body works. This contributes to how we work with and programme for clients in a number of ways:
Understanding the body, in as many ways as possible, leads to a truly holistic approach (we cannot call it holistic if we miss out big chunks). We do not, for example, need to know all the names of every structure, but when we understand some of the intricacies about how we have been put together and how structure serves function we can extend this into our PT planning and delivery when appropriate.
Talking the talk and walking the walk:
As today’s society is only moving closer to being “over fat, sick and nearly dead” every fitpro must make it a priority to serve their clients at the highest level.
Being able to recall the info you learnt for your anatomy and physiology test, and talk the same language, or at least learn some of the words, enables us to talk effectively with other health care professionals as well as our clients. This is important for referrals – especially if you specialise in weight loss, obesity or injury.
Precision:
When analysing a client’s posture and movement patterns, for example, the more detailed our understanding of the structures and processes occurring, the more precise we can be with what we are doing. We may get a greater understanding of the links to other parts and be more accurate in our ability to pinpoint the problem – and therefore a solution. (Wow, there is a business plan in that last sentence).
Whether you specialise in health or performance we must know the structures and processes of what’s going on inside; in order to improve and move the client towards their goals.
Fall in love with your clients:
So, from a business perspective, those fit pros that serve and fall in love with their clients always achieve the clients goal and ultimately their business goal. Being fascinated by the human body, its structure, function and capabilities allows you to serve any clients to the highest level.
The more you work with and learn about the human body, the more you will appreciate the importance of scoring highly on your anatomy and physiology test as a fit pro.
Until next time,
Neale “Getting 100%” Bergman
P.S. Here are your 101 mock questions, make sure you download
them now to see what areas you rock in and areas you need to focus on <<< click here
P.P.S. Quit banging your head against the manual and scouring the internet for hints and tips… get all of your revision resources in one place and supercharge your revision to pass first time with the best score you can. Check out the Revision Mastery Series << Click Here