What Is Fitness Testing?
Fitness testing, often referred to as fitness evaluation or fitness assessment, includes a series of measurements that help determine the health status and physical fitness of an individual.There are an endless number of possible tests and measurements that trainers and coaches may use to determine an individual's baseline fitness level. These tests are often the starting point for designing an appropriate exercise program. The specific tests used in an assessment depend on the health and fitness goals of the individual, the trainer's experience and the type of workout routines being performed. A combination of some or all of the following may be used.
The Goals of Fitness Testing
- to determine current health conditions, risks or limitations
- to learn about past injuries or surgeries
- to assess current fitness level
- to identify fitness goals, interests and motivation for exercising
- to identify appropriate training options
- to establish methods to track progress and evaluate program success
- to create a one-on-one relationship and establish appropriate expectations for both the athlete and the trainer
Common Components of Fitness Testing
Health History & Medical Screening
Before beginning a new exercise program, it's a good idea to review your medical history and, if necessary, get your doctor's OK to exercise (or at least understand your exercise limitations). Most trainers, coaches and sports specialists will use one or more of the following screening tools to determine the safety of exercise for their participants.
Body Composition
Body composition describes the different components (muscles, bone, fat) that make up a person's total body weight. Here are the most common methods of estimating body composition and body fat levels.
- Underwater Weighing - Hydrostatic Weight
- BMI - Body Mass Index
- Skin Fold Measurements
- Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
- Waist to Hip Ratio Measurement
- Body Circumference Measurements
- Body Fat Analyzers and Scales
Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardiovascular endurance testing measures how efficiently the heart and lungs work together to supply oxygen and energy to the body during physical activity. Here are some of the most common methods of determining endurance.
- 12 Minute Run Test
- VO2 Max Testing
- The Bruce Treadmill Test Protocol
- Exercise Stress Testing
- Rockport Fitness Walking Test Calculator
Strength and Muscular Endurance
Muscle strength testing measures the maximal amount of force a muscle group can exert at one time, and muscular endurance testing measures the length of time a muscle group can contract before it fatigues. These tests can help compare similar groups of people (gender, age, health status) and provide some norms for determining recommended levels of fitness. The best use of these tests, however, is in their ability to compare a person's fitness progress over time and to determine any areas of specific muscle weakness or imbalance.
Flexibility Testing
Measuring the flexibility or range of motion in certain joints of the body is helpful in assessing muscle weakness, injury and imbalances. There are a variety of ways to measure flexibility, but these are the most common tests:
Speed Drills and Testing
Once you have a baseline measurement of your fitness level, you can begin training in a more specific manner. Here are some ways to create and build better fitness for your sports goals:
- Sport Training Basic Principles
- Training Plans, Workouts & Drills
- Strength Training for Sports
- Sports Psychology
- Abdominal Exercise | Core Strength
