Which statement best reflects the three-step process required before a customized exercise program can be created?

• A. Health and risk assessment, exercise testing and exercise prescription
• B. Nutrition counseling, weight loss counseling and exercise testing
• C. Nutritional counseling, risk assessment and exercise prescription
• D. Health screening and dietary planning

Answer: (A)

To safely and effectively tailor a workout plan, start with evaluating the person’s health and risk factors to determine safety and any necessary medical clearance. This health and risk assessment identifies conditions or symptoms that could influence how you design the program. Next, use exercise testing to establish the current fitness level and how the body responds to activity, which provides concrete data for setting appropriate intensity and progression. Finally, craft the exercise prescription based on those findings, detailing mode, frequency, intensity, time, and progression tailored to the individual and their goals. The other options mix in nutrition or omit the testing step, which are not part of this sequence before creating a customized program.