A trainer is working with a client who is overweight.

When working with overweight or obese clients, exercise positions should optimize comfort, breathing, and movement efficiency while minimizing orthopedic stress. NASM’s program design recommendations favor upright or incline positions for resistance training when possible, especially for those who may experience discomfort or breathing restriction in prone (face down) or supine (lying flat) positions. For a row, starting in a standing position—such as with cables, resistance bands, or a machine—allows the client to maintain spinal alignment, engage the core, and breathe freely, while accommodating a larger body mass. Side-lying and prone positions may be physically uncomfortable and limit range of motion for overweight individuals.