TESTING, 1,2,3... AND GO!
# 9to5
Challenge
There’ s no better time to start training for your future running goals than now, and no better way to unlock your fitness potential than by joining the Modern Athlete # 9to5Challenge. – BY JEANNIE JORDAAN, 9TO5CHALLENGE COACH
One of the things that the # 9to5Challenge prides itself on is the ability to stimulate and measure the improvements and results of each person who passes through the Challenge. At the beginning and end of every Challenge, we conduct an assessment that comprises of a body composition assessment, a strength test and a fitness test. This valuable information is then used to determine, firstly, where each individual should be starting on the programme, and secondly, to determine the effectiveness of the training.
SO WHAT IS FITNESS TESTING?
Fitness testing involves taking measurements of the body and its response to exercise so that we can work out where a component of someone’ s fitness is. It includes measuring weight, girth and blood pressure, or having the athlete complete some type of cardio-vascular exercise under pre-determined and constant conditions. Right from the initial evaluation, the # 9to5Challenge coaches are then able to monitor each runner to check that the prescribed training sessions are performed at the correct times, intensity, duration and speed.
The monitoring is important, especially for beginner runners, as it is the shorterterm activities that create the long-term results and progress. Monitoring is generally more important than testing, as it shows the likelihood that the client will experience test improvements. A 100 % achievement in attendance and adherence should always result in improvements in test results, if the tests are accurate and appropriate.
The # 9to5 Coaches are passionate people who have three primary tasks to fulfil with the Challengers on the programme. They need to ensure that all participants are safe to exercise and don’ t have any underlying health issues that require medical screening; they strive to focus the runners on their goals and create the right amount of urgency and accountability in their training efforts; and they are able to provide the Challengers with evidence of their progress, through testing, to validate the effort that has been put in.
ESSENTIAL TESTING
So what would happen if a runner doesn’ t have either an initial or postprogramme assessment? Mainly, participants will miss out on all the benefits testing can provide. In our view all clients should undergo some form of testing that is conducted at the right time, and over the last year I have witnessed some astronomical achievements by individuals on the programme … but the evaluation and magnitude of the achievements would not have been possible without the assessment and testing process.
If done for the right reasons, at the right time, in the right way, the testing process can turn an unsure, unhealthy and uninspired person into an individual who is motivated, confident, comfortable, goal-oriented, positively self-aware and committed to banishing negative belief structures.
Images: Courtesy Jeannie Jordaan
With this kind of support there is only one thing that can stand in the way of success – the fact that you haven’ t signed up yet. Once again, I challenge you to sign up for change and join the # 9to5Challenge. Simply visit www. modernathlete. co. za / page / 9-to-5-challenge or e-mail Jeannie Jordaan at jeannie @ run925. co. za for more info.
34 ISSUE 92 MARCH 2017 / www. modernathlete. co. za