Here's a real quick thing to add to the client intake procedure for my imaginary gym. I think it's something that all gyms, especially crossfit gyms, should do when they get a new client. It's simple, easy to do, and can prevent a potentially disastrous result. All it is, is a blood pressure test. That's it.
If you take someone with hypertension or pre-hypertension and make them try a crossfit workout, you're just asking for trouble. Let's say that you have high blood pressure, and then show up for your first free/demo WOD. You start hammering through it, and your already high blood pressure is going to go up even further, not something you want.
The thing that makes hypertension so dangerous is that it's so hard to spot without a blood pressure test.
Thus, when you have your new clients filling out forms, give them a blood pressure test as well. It very well may save a life.
For more about the dangers of strenuous exercise with hypertension check out these links:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/384446-is-it-safe-to-exercise-with-high-blood-pressure/
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/health_articles.asp?id=701
And an article from Crossfit Santa Cruz:
http://www.crossfitsantacruz.com/crossfit_santa_cruz/feeling-faint.html
No comments:
Post a Comment