Fitness Assessment - yeah, right!

[amberjolie1]

Ok, so at work we have a workout gym.  But in order to be allowed to enter, you have to first get a fitness assessment.  So I asked the guy what it entails.

Cardio on a step machine (hoping with each step that my knees will hold out!), pushups (kind of hard when my wrists don't even bend far enough to get in a pushup position, much less actually do a pushup!), and flexibility (I have definitely lost flexibility more than just by not stretching because of all the AI fun).

This is going to be interesting...all I wanted was the ability to walk on a treadmill or elliptical or something.

(Oh, I mentioned my joint issues and that I hope accommodation can be made for them, so we'll see what he says)

[eyeamdry]

Amberjolie, there is a gym on every corner waiting to sign up customers.  I'm not so sure that doing the "work-up" will take you out of joining the gym.  Most do some type of assessment so they can look legit when they sign you up as a customer.  Not saying it's not for your own good, but I personally know many just want to get you in the door. 

I went to a get a massage at a "teaching school" for the first time a couple of weeks ago.  I've been getting massages for 30 some years, just not there.  I had to fill out a sheet and it ask everything from soup to nuts.  I wrote no to everything (lying) and then checked fibromyalgia.  (true).  The guy looked at me and said "I am not sure we can take you since you have this disease."  Everyone knows massage would likely help a fibro patient. 

He went and "asked" and came back and said "get undressed."  So-I think you might be worrying too much.  Or--if they tell you after you fill out the papers, get your drs approval.  Don't worry, you will get in.  Lucy

[Ohiocat]

be sure to verify that these health results are not something that your management can have access to.  You don't want them to use the results to make it more difficult at your work.

[amberjolie1]

eyeamdry - this gym is through my work, so it's not "signing me up" per se; they have a policy to do a fitness assessment before allowing someone to use the gym.  I think part of it is so that they can identify people who could get hurt if they are somewhat "unfit", and they want to make sure they guide them as to how to approach working out.  In theory it's a good thing, I think, but it's just very difficult in my case.

ohiocat - I understand where you're coming from.  I'm assuming you're from Ohio, so perhaps things are different in the US than in Canada where I am.  It would be illegal for my employer to use anything like that against me.  And actually, the company has an accommodation policy for those with disabilities and so on,so if anything it could help, if they recognize that I have certain limitations.  Currently I can perform my job, so they can't say a thing.  (I hope!)

[Skylar]

Can you get a doctors note to avoid their fitness assessment?

Cardio on a step machine (hoping with each step that my knees will hold out!), pushups (kind of hard when my wrists don't even bend far enough to get in a pushup position, much less actually do a pushup!), and flexibility (I have definitely lost flexibility more than just by not stretching because of all the AI fun).

To me the idea of a step machine and not treadmill to assess your health seems aggressive. Pushups? My arthritic  wouldn't allow me to get down into a pushup position - OMG I can't imagine too many people can do that once you get past your 30's unless it's a push up where you are standing and pushing against the wall. This doesn't sound like an equal opportunity for all the employees where you work. (((HUGS)))

[amberjolie1]

Well, I did speak with the fitness guy further and he said that if necessary, the assessment could technically be just a discussion.  So he won't push me into doing anything in particular, which is good.