If not, and if he/she is not getting a recent medical history, dump them.
Mine are more extensive than this, the training interview last at least one
hour and can often involve spouses, family members, input from physicians,
etc.
What are your goals concerning weight and exercise? Do these seem realistic
to you?
What behavioral changes are you ready to make right now? (eg, give up
smoking, start an exercise program, change my eating habits)
Are there any behaviors you do not feel ready to work on right now?
Have you tried making lifestyle changes in the past? What has kept you from
succeeding in the past?
What are you willing to change to become successful this time?
Is there anything preventing you from exercising? (eg, unsafe neighborhood,
cost, access, support system)
Considering everything else going on in your life right now, is this truly
the right time to make a serious lifestyle change?
Can you set a specific date when you will be ready to begin?
Are you able to devote time each day (eg, 15-30 min) toward planning and
achieving your goals?
What do you need or want from others to help you succeed? (eg, support from
family and friends, enrollment in an exercise class, transportation to and
from Weight Watchers meetings, help with menu planning)
Do you feel comfortable asking for help?
What are you willing to do right now? Let's discuss the specific behaviors
you are going to address first. How confident are you, on a scale of 1-10,
that you will be able to meet each of these goals?
How can I help you with this? (Provide referrals to other specialists as
indicated.)
Just in case it's needed, what kind of back-up plan can we develop if your
plans are not working as well as we hoped?
And last and perhaps most important, can you purchase a treadmill and a
dumbbell set (with a power rack close behind) with an inclining bench. Will
you have room for these in our domicile?