You’re unsure about what’s going on with that one client. Whatever method you try that “works” doesn’t seem to help them, or they only make limited progress. There could be something missing, but you can’t change what you don’t know. Luckily, you just need to look more closely at what’s going on inside their body.

The human body is all about data—our blood, urine, and body fluids reveal the state of health, fitness, and wellness. Data and the facts are a superpower that can catalyze the client’s progression. That’s why many companies bring at-home blood tests to the athlete’s doorstep. They offer a huge variety of tests to measure health and fitness related biomarkers.

By providing or suggesting these tests, you can gain a better understanding of where your client starts, increase efficacy, and drive results. Remember, personalization is what we seek. Now more than ever, we are aware that we are all unique. We need customized services that work best for us. Coaches who have a holistic approach to health and fitness will be the ones who understand clients’ needs and advance their method through personalization. 

What Are Fitness and Performance-Based Blood Tests

Many companies that offer at-home tests to measure sports performance, fitness, and health. The process is very easy. Clients are provided with a kit that includes a finger-prick test. They collect the blood and send it to the laboratory. Some companies even offer at-home visits by a nurse or visits to a clinic for an additional cost. The results come in as little as 2-3 days. The great thing is these tests often come with a report that highlights what is missing in the client’s health, nutrition, and lifestyle. Some even offer an action plan to guide the client through steps to reach optimal health and performance.

You can use these tests:

• Before working with the client: Imagine a client who has gone through many programs but hasn’t seen any results. Now, they are turning to you for a change as their coach. You’ll need data to help them. These at-home tests will show you the client’s status before starting the program. You’ll know where to focus for the best progress and set realistic goals for their fitness journey.
• During the process: Testing at intervals helps you measure progress and change methods if needed. You can also take extra tests during training. These tests include glucose, lactate, ketone, and sweat tests.They can further help clients with intense training programs and specific nutrition plans.
• At the end: End results are a great way to showcase the success a client has made and plan further progress.

What Is on the Market Right Now

Many companies offer at-home tests. Some provide tests designed to specifically measure performance, fitness, and health.

Available in the USA 

Vitality has very detailed tests, including 85 to 129 biomarkers (standard vs. elite package). In the app, you can see all the results, what they mean, and what to do for training, sleep, nutrition, and supplements to reach optimal values. It even provides 3 to 6 months of personalized programming.

Available in the USA and Canada 

Inside Tracker does not offer specific sports performance testing. However, it provides extensive tests measuring biological age, sleep, inflammation, endurance, heart health, metabolism, hormones, and recovery-related biomarkers. So, it gives a full picture of performance and health, too.

Based on the results, it gives personalized advice on nutrition, supplement, lifestyle, and an action plan. Importantly, it has a coach dashboard that allows you to see client’s results. It also offers a subscription model with annual testing, which can be more suitable for checking progress every year.

Available in the UK

Edge is a sports specialist blood testing service. It even provides packages based on sports types, such as weightlifting, cycling, running, triathlon, and CrossFit. They also offer tests that measure hormones and evaluate conditions, such as relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S).

Thriva supplies sports performance blood tests. It offers options for one-time tests or regular testing at 3-month or 6-month intervals. This is more suitable if you prefer frequent monitoring of progress. Regular testing can benefit clients who have critical levels for multiple biomarkers because you can see if nutrition, supplements, or exercise interventions make a difference. If not, you can change direction without losing any time.

In terms of at-home tests, you can go above and beyond, from DNA testing to microbiome testing. You have the creative power to personalize your services to offer the best coaching possible. Get the help of blood tests without having to spend energy finding a lab or booking appointments; the companies do all this for clients.

What to Look For When Choosing The Tests

Not all at-home tests are made equally. Checking a few things can help you find the best tests for your clients’ needs:

• Accredited lab testing: You can check the company pages to see if they work with accredited laboratories. This ensures the quality and accuracy of the tests. You can look for CAP accreditation, CLIA and ISO certification for the USA, and you can look for UKAS accreditation and CE marking for the UK.
• Tests personalization: Some of them offer packages while still allowing you to customize them, so you can add or remove tests based on your clients’ needs.
• Cost: You can lower costs by choosing a subscription model or multiple test packages. It will be more affordable for clients, and they will receive regular testing and assessment.

Final Thoughts

Test, personalize, and achieve! The fitness industry is all about personalization now. Generalizations have become outdated and are less effective. Although tests may initially add to costs, they ultimately lower expenses by reducing unnecessary interventions. Your client won’t use unnecessary supplements. They also decrease the risk of facing health issues, such as constant fatigue and injuries that can be prevented. As a result, at-home tests can help you make the process smoother and more efficient over time.

Tools now have great leverage for giving personalized data and programs; however, you, as a coach, have the expertise to guide your client. Increase your impact by using these tools to take your services to another level.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6901403/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10197055/