How to Fill Out a Physical Assessment Form

A physical assessment form is used to capture information relative to a person's physical health and abilities. At the gym, fitness trainers complete physical assessment forms on their clients to find out what the client's fitness level is and whether they have any injuries or medical conditions that can impact their ability to train or perform certain exercises. Physical assessments also capture before and after information on clients.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain to the client what the physical assessment form is and what it is used for. Let him know that the questions on the form are of a personal nature, but the information is necessary to create an appropriate and safe exercise regimen for the client to reach his fitness goals.

• 2

  Tell the client to answer the questions honestly. Explain that you will not judge the responses, and that the information she shares with you is kept confidential in his personal membership file. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), it is illegal for companies and individuals to disclose health-related information on clients without their permission.

• 3

  Ask the client the questions. Fill in the answers with his responses. Do not adjust his answers.

• 4

  Ask the client questions that will help you make an accurate physical assessment. For instance, if the client tells you she had surgery 6 months ago, ask what kind of surgery, whether she is in physical therapy for it and what her recovery time is supposed to be.

• 5

  Take the client's vital signs and measurements and document them on the physical assessment. Dimensions of the client's bust, waist, hips and other parts of the body will help you compare the results down the road. Weigh the client and take down his height.

• 6

  Record your observations. If you notice that the client has a shaky left hand or a limp when she walks, note the information on the physical assessment.

• 7

  Test the client's endurance and strength through a series of exercises, such as jogging on the treadmill, lifting weights or doing sit-ups. Record the results.