Before designing a program, I observe each new client’s posture: standing, from the front, in profile, and sometimes from behind. This simple assessment, which requires no heavy equipment, guides the initial exercises and areas to focus on.
In a nutshell
- Objective: To identify muscle imbalances before designing the program.
- Duration: a few minutes, included in the 60-minute personalized assessment.
- Method: observation from the front, side, and back, without a machine.
- Result: a starting point for adapting the initial exercises, not a medical diagnosis.
Why do I check posture before starting a program?
Your standing posture provides clues about how your body has adapted—whether from years of desk work, sports, or past strains. Identifying an imbalance early on allows you to tailor your initial exercises and avoid aggravating an existing strain. This is not a medical exam; it’s a baseline assessment, useful for creating a program tailored to your body, not a one-size-fits-all program.
In practical terms, how does the assessment work?
The assessment is done standing up, in comfortable clothing, barefoot. I observe from three angles:
- From the front: the position of the feet and knees, and the alignment of the hips and shoulders.
- In profile: curvature of the back; position of the pelvis, shoulders, and head relative to the body's axis.
- From the back: symmetry of the shoulders and hips, a useful complement to the front view.
What imbalances occur most frequently?
Two common compensation patterns are frequently observed among movement professionals. The first affects the upper body: shoulders hunching forward, head jutting forward, and the upper back rounding. This is often linked to long hours of sitting in front of a screen. The second affects the lower body: the pelvis tilts forward, the lower back curves more pronouncedly, and the knees lock backward. Each of these patterns calls for different exercises: strengthening the upper back and glutes in the first case, and core stability and hip mobility in the second.
How does this assessment affect your program?
The assessment is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. It is used to select the initial exercises, rule out certain movements at the start of the program, and establish benchmarks that can be reviewed later. A client with forward-tilted shoulders, for example, will start with back strengthening exercises before moving on to heavy bench presses. This is a starting point, not a fixed label: posture changes with training.
Do I need a postural assessment if I'm not in pain?
Yes. The goal is not to treat pain, but to prevent it from occurring by designing an inappropriate program. Most clients who begin a program are not experiencing pain: the assessment is specifically designed to keep it that way. If pain is already present or there is a known medical condition, seeking medical advice is the first step before starting a program.
What happens next?
This assessment is part ofthe 60-minute personalized evaluation, which includes a discussion of your goals, a body composition analysis, and a postural assessment. The program is designed based on these three elements. To see what an initial session is like, check out our article on the first session with a personal trainer in Paris, which details the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a postural assessment hurt?
No. It's a visual observation—no forced movements or difficult exercises involved. It takes just a few minutes.
Does the assessment replace a visit to a physical therapist or doctor?
No. This is a guideline for creating a workout plan, not a medical diagnosis. If you experience pain or have a medical condition, you should still seek medical advice.
Will my posture really improve with training?
Many imbalances caused by sitting or a lack of strength training can be improved with a tailored program and consistent practice. Results vary depending on the individual and how long the imbalance has been present.
Should this assessment be repeated on a regular basis?
We usually review our benchmarks after several weeks of training to adjust the program if necessary.
Sources
- American College of Sports Medicine, A Fitness Professional's Introductory Guide to Assessing Static Posture: Part I
- American College of Sports Medicine, A Fitness Professional's Introductory Guide to Assessing Static Posture: Part II
About the Author: Louis Fabre is a former tennis player (Roland Garros, NCAA Division I at Texas Tech) who holds dual master’s degrees in physical training and sports nutrition, with over 10 years of coaching experience and more than 2,000 clients.
