How are you feeling today? - Mental state, general wellbeing

From this question you can discover the client's current mental state and general wellbeing. Example: the client has had an argument with their spouse and has been too upset to eat anything, and as a result is now suffering a headache. The session should be reappointed as the client will not be able to focus on the workout or perform to their full potential, therefore increasing the chance of injury.

What have you had to eat/drink today? - Energy intake, hydration levels

This will give you an idea of the client's energy levels and hydration levels, which is a huge factor for a trainer when determining the intensity of the session. Example: It is 5pm and your client has only had a small breakfast and a coffee for lunch. The session should be reappointed as the client will most likely become nauseous or heavily fatigued during the session, resulting in a higher chance of injury and discomfort.

Have you undertaken any activity, including work, prior to our session? - Energy output

This question will give you an idea on the amount of energy the client has expended prior to the session. Therefore it helps you determine the intensity of the session. Example: It is 5pm and your client has eaten 3 well portioned meals (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) prior to your session. Your client works as a builder and has had a busy day. Therefore, the session intensity should be low, as food intake may seem adequate, however lots of energy has been expended by the client at work.

Are you experiencing any soreness today? - Cautions

This will enable you to select exercises that do not aggravate any sore muscles/joints that the client may be temporarily suffering from. Example: the client is complaining of a sore shoulder that they injured at work, therefore it would be better to perform only leg exercises in the session to prevent a longer recovery from the injury and further discomfort (or reappoint entirely).

What do you have planned after our session today? - Future energy intake and expenditure

This will again help you to determine the correct intensity for the training session. Example: It is 5pm and your client has eaten an adequate amount of food prior to your workout, however they are going straight home after the training session to get ready for a work function which is at 6:15pm. They won’t have enough time to eat when they get home, but will try to eat something after the function. The intensity for the session should be low, as the client will not be eating for a long time and their energy levels need to be adequate so they can attend their work function.

Consequences for not asking the above questions:

• Exercise induced hypoglycemia

• Vomiting

• Muscle injury

• Fainting

• Excessive lactic acid build-up (pain and nausea)

• Client distrust (due to harm coming to them whilst in YOUR care)