As a Fitness Professional, you will encounter clients who require special consideration when designing their programs. Whether it is a health concern, such as cardiovascular disease, or a special need, such as pregnancy, you should identify and address these conditions prior to conducting assessments and designing your clients’ programs. Furthermore, it will often be vital to ensure that your client has been cleared by his or her physician to engage in physical activity.

For clients or participants who are part of special populations, keep the following in mind:

• The program should begin with low-to-moderate intensity and then progress gradually.
• The nature of the program depends on the current health status and physical condition of the client, as well as any other factors identified in the interviewing or screening process.
• To cater to the needs of clients with c

of special populations, keep the following in mind:hronic illnesses or who require special considerations, be sure to acquire the necessary education and skills.

• Maintain close communication with the client’s healthcare provider, as well as obtain and adhere to his or her recommendations and guidelines for programming.
• When providing information to a client’s healthcare provider, utilize SOAP notes for documentation of client encounters, health status, and progress.

Clients with special needs or health concerns may require additional attention and consideration with regard to exercise. For clients who are considered special populations, pay attention to the following in programming:

• The benefits of exercise and the different forms of exercise that are beneficial to the specific population
  • For example, low-risk CAD clients benefit from the improvements in muscular strength and endurance that result from an appropriate resistance-training program.
• Any special modifications for the client, such as monitoring intensity
  • For example, use the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale for clients with CAD, or avoid rapid twisting movements with clients who have low-back pain
• Any abnormal signs that would warrant either terminating or delaying a client’s exercise session
• Any specific precautions for client safety