For individuals looking to improve their fitness health, can a fitness assessment test identify potential areas and help evaluate overall health and physical status?
Table of Contents
A fitness test, also known as a fitness assessment, helps evaluate an individualβs overall and physical health. It comprises a series of exercises to design an appropriate exercise program for general health and fitness. (National Strength and Conditioning Association. 2017) Fitness assessment testing benefits include:
An assessment can comprise a wide range of tests, including:
They are meant to ensure the individual wonβt be at risk of injury and provide the trainer with the insights needed to establish clear and effective fitness goals. Individuals who wonder whether fitness testing would benefit them should consult their healthcare provider.
Before starting a fitness program, it is important to inform the trainer of individual medical history and get the necessary approval from a primary healthcare provider. (Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2012) Fitness specialists usually use one or more screening tools to help determine individual baseline health.
This may include obtaining vital sign measurements like height and weight, resting heart rate/RHR, and resting blood pressure/RBP. Many trainers will also use a physical activity readiness questionnaire/PAR-Q comprising questions about general health. (National Academy of Sports Medicine. 2020) Among the questions, individuals mayβ be asked about the medications being taken, any problems with dizziness or pain, or medical conditions that may impair their ability to exercise.
Body composition describes total body weight components, including muscles, bones, and fat. The most common methods for estimating body composition include:
Cardiovascular endurance testing, also known as stress testing, measures how efficiently the heart and lungs work to supply oxygen and energy to the body during physical activity. (UC Davis Health, 2024) The three most common tests used include:
Muscle endurance testing measures the length of time a muscle group can contract and release before it fatigues. Strength testing measures the maximal amount of force a muscle group can exert. (American Council on Exercise, Jiminez C., 2018) The exercises used include:
Sometimes, a trainer will use a metronome to measure how long the individual can keep up with the rhythm. The results are then compared to individuals of the same age group and sex to establish a baseline level. Strength and endurance tests are valuable as they help the trainer spot which muscle groups are stronger, vulnerable, and need focused attention. (Heyward, V. H., Gibson, A. L. 2014).
Fitness assessment testing has various benefits. It can help trainers design a personalized workout program, help individuals identify fitness areas that need improvement, measure progress, and add intensity and endurance to their routine, which canΒ help prevent injuries and help maintain overall health. We focus on what works for you and strive to better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These natural programs use the bodyβs ability to achieve improvement goals. Ask a healthcare professional or fitness professional for guidance if you need advice.
National Strength and Conditioning Association. (2017). Purposes of assessment. www.nsca.com/education/articles/kinetic-select/purposes-of-assessment/
Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. (2012). Do you need to see a doctor before starting your exercise program? HealthBeat. www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/do-you-need-to-see-a-doctor-before-starting-your-exercise-program
National Academy of Sports Medicine. (2020). PAR-Q-+ The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone. www.nasm.org/docs/pdf/parqplus-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=401bf1af_24
Doylestown Health. (2024). Bio-Electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)-Body Mass Analysis. www.doylestownhealth.org/service-lines/nutrition#maintabbed-content-tab-2BDAD9F8-F379-403C-8C9C-75D7BFA6E596-1-1
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (N.D.). Calculate your body mass index. Retrieved from www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm
UC Davis Health. (2024). VO2max and Aerobic Fitness. health.ucdavis.edu/sports-medicine/resources/vo2description
American Council on Exercise. Jiminez C. (2018). Understanding 1-RM and Predicted 1-RM Assessments. ACE Fitness. www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/ace-answers/exam-preparation-blog/2894/understanding-1-rm-and-predicted-1-rm-assessments/
Heyward, V. H., Gibson, A. L. (2014). Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription. United Kingdom: Human Kinetics. www.google.com/books/edition/Advanced_Fitness_Assessment_and_Exercise/PkdoAwAAQBAJhl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Strength+and+endurance+tests+muscle+groups+are+stronger+and+weaker&pg=PA173&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=Strength%20and%20endurance%20tests%20muscle%20groups%20are%20stronger%20and%20weaker&f=false
Pate R, Oria M, Pillsbury L, (Eds). (2012). Health-related fitness measures for youth: Flexibility. In R. Pate, M. Oria, & L. Pillsbury (Eds.), Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in Youth. doi.org/10.17226/13483
Baumgartner,Β T.Β A.,Β Jackson,Β A.Β S.,Β Mahar,Β M.Β T.,Β Rowe,Β D.Β A.Β (2015).Β Measurement for Evaluation in Kinesiology.Β United States:Β Jones & Bartlett Learning. www.google.com/books/edition/Measurement_for_Evaluation_in_Kinesiolog/_oCHCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Measurement+for+Evaluation+in+Kinesiology+(9th+Edition).&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
American Council of Exercise. Metcalf A. (2014). How to improve flexibility and maintain it. ACE Fitness. www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/blog/3761/how-to-improve-flexibility-and-maintain-it/
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The information herein on "Maximize Your Fitness Journey with a Comprehensive Assessment" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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