leads to clients heading towards a biological cliff (disease), and once they
fall off that cliff it’s very hard to recover them to normal metabolism.
TOFI clients are often unfit
The lack of physical activity of TOFI clients means they often lack
fitness. The irony, however, is that many PTs avoid programming
cardio for clients who are ‘too skinny’, opting instead to put them
onto a resistance training program, sometimes coupled with a
Tips for training the TOFI client
So, how do you help the TOFI client reduce their metabolic risks?
Start with a fitness assessment to find out how fit or unfit they
actually are. Once this is established, the following elements can be
introduced to their program:
• Moderate intensity exercise, e.g. walking, 3 to 4 times per week
for 20 minutes (or build up to this)
• Resistance training – but not too much too soon
• Functional fitness – these people often huff and puff up a flight
of stairs
• Try HIIT to increase their cardiorespiratory fitness and shift
more visceral fat
• Incorporate a healthy eating plan, seeking advice from a
nutritionist or dietitian if needed.
recommendation for a higher