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 individual’s 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 won’t 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 may 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 can 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 body’s 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, T. A., Jackson, A. S., Mahar, M. T., Rowe, D. A. (2015). Measurement for Evaluation in Kinesiology. United States: 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/
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Achieve Optimal Health with a Professional Fitness 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.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
License Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Stress on the lower back during pregnancy often leads to back (upper, middle, lower), sciatica,… Read More
Can melatonin help many individuals dealing with sleep issues and help them stay asleep longer… Read More
For older individuals looking for a workout that can help improve overall fitness, can kettlebell… Read More
Can choosing the right pillow help many individuals with neck pain get a full night's… Read More
What is the recommended way to choose a mattress for individuals with back pain? … Read More
Can non-surgical treatments help individuals with piriformis syndrome reduce referred sciatica pain and help restore… Read More