Here is 2012 and already the club is jammed! There are lots of new members, and “new resolutioners,” and everyone else is back from vacation. We know that the top of the agenda for a lot of folks is not only getting back to their regular routine, but also to get back in shape after the holiday hiatus.
So the most popular question I get asked besides how to lose weight is, “How many calories should I be eating?”. Although I believe that if you eat healthy, fresh, unprocessed foods you don’t really need to count calories, I do think most people are comfortable with some sort of reference point.
As part of the weight loss program I developed, each participant is given a metabolic test with an analyzing device to determine what plan they will be assigned. It is a fairly simple test that takes about 10 minutes and altogether 30 minutes including preparation and review. I looked at a few such devices and found that they are fairly similar in the information they deliver, and I learned a lot about metabolic testing.
Every person has their own unique metabolic fingerprint that accounts for how many calories they burn a day at rest, i.e., without daily or purposeful activity. Once you know what that number is then a qualified professional can accurately plan a calorie budget to meet that person’s needs, whether they want to lose weight or gain muscle.
It is possible to estimate this number with certain formulae, but the actual test can factor in muscle weight and body fat percentages, plus any other variables such as the effect some medications may have on the person’s metabolism.
This is the kind of tool we all need to have as part of any weight management program. It is one of the few things that actually pays for itself. If it is part of a program, you may include it in the price or charge an additional fee. You can certainly offer it “a la carte” and charge a fee based on how much consultation you provide with it.
Most devices use some kind of disposable mouthpiece or mask that are bought in bulk. The cost to the client of the test can be as much as three to five times the cost of each disposable, so you can recoup not just the cost of buying them, but also you will eventually make back the cost of the equipment. Now that doesn’t happen very often in our business!
Look into this as soon as you can and you will be able to provide a professional and credible assessment to your membership that will outshine your competition!
Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.
