Goal Setting
Once a participant is cleared to begin a program, the program then needs direction. Without an aim, or some form of achievement to strive towards, the exercise will not be very effective. Luckily, setting a goal is very easy to do. And, almost everyone who enters into an exercise program has done so with a goal in mind, already. The job of the person administering the program is then to shape these goals, and in turn design the program around achieving the goals.
In order for goals to be successful, they should adhere to a certain format. This is known as SMART goal-setting. This format is popularly used, as it is very simple, and breaks down each aspect of the goals, to increase likelihood of achievement.
Specific:
The more specific the target, the easier it will be to hit. If a participant wants to lose weight (for example), then a specific amount of weight should be the goal, as opposed to the general statement of just losing weight.
Measurable:
Setting a goal that can be quantified allows it to be more easily striven towards. Sticking with the goal of losing weight; as the goal is a quantity, a count-down can even be implemented, as the goal weight is approached.
Attainable:
Goals must be reachable, in order for them to motivate. Goals that are out of reach, very quickly serve to demotivate.
Realistic:
This goes hand in hand with goals being attainable. Goals must be within the scope of what is practical, and possible, for each individual. Not everyone is capable of setting world records. It would be foolhardy for every person to set this as a goal.
Timed:
Having a time-limit on achieving a goal will drive the participant to attain it. But, as has been mentioned, the time-limit will need to be in line with the other aspects of goal setting. This can also be broken into different time periods, when initially setting the goals. In other words, goals set can be Short-term, Medium-term, or long-term. If we continue with the example of losing weight; a short-term goal would be initially loss of a determined number of kilograms (or percentage body fat, depending on the approach), the medium-term goal could be further loss towards a final goal-weight, and finally the long-term goal could be maintaining the new weight. Again, all of these should have a set time period. The importance of this is two-fold. First, it allows for constant tracking of the goals, and motivation through achieving the goals as time progresses. And, second is that it gives the goals overall direction (in other words, an end-point).
Manage Data
Once the participant has been screened, and goals set, an archive of this information must be kept. This is to have the information readily available, when needed. It may be referred back to, and updated, as necessary, as the participant progresses through the training program. But, it is also important to have the information on hand, in the event of any problem arising. As was mentioned, one of the reasons for doing the screening is to have cover, in case something unfortunate may occur. Keeping proof that the related screening was done will serve as legal back-up, in the event of a claim of negligence.