A fitness test, also known as a fitness assessment, is comprised of a series of exercises that help evaluate your overall health and physical status. There is wide of range of standardized tests used for these exams, some of which are intended for medical purposes and others of which establish whether you are qualified to participate (such as with the Army combat readiness test). Show
For general health and fitness purposes, the tests are considered the starting point for designing an appropriate exercise program. They are meant to ensure you won't be at risk of harm and provide the trainer with the insights needed to establish clear and effective fitness goals. General Health EvaluationBefore starting a fitness program, it is important to share your medical history with your trainer and to get the necessary approvals from your doctor to proceed. Most fitness specialists will use one or more screening tools to help determine your baseline health. This may include obtaining vital sign measurements such as your height, weight, resting heart rate (RHR), and resting blood pressure (RBP). Many trainers will also use a physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) comprised of seven or more questions related to your general health. Among the questions, you may be asked about the types of medications you take, any problems you have with dizziness or pain, or any medical condition that may impair your ability to exercise. Body Composition TestingBody composition describes the different components that make up your total body weight, including your muscles, bones, and fat. The most common methods for estimating body composition include:
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a dated, biased measure that doesn’t account for several factors, such as body composition, ethnicity, race, gender, and age. Despite being a flawed measure, BMI is widely used today in the medical community because it is an inexpensive and quick method for analyzing potential health status and outcomes. Cardiovascular Endurance TestingCardiovascular endurance testing, also known as stress testing, measures how efficiently your heart and lungs work to supply oxygen and energy to your body during physical activity. Among the three most common tests used:
Some trainers will incorporate exercises such as sit-ups or push-ups to get a qualitative measurement of how you respond to specific exercises. These baseline results can be used at a later date to see if your health and fitness levels have improved. Strength and Endurance TestingStrength testing measures the maximal amount of force a muscle group can exert at one time. Muscle endurance testing, by comparison, measures the length of time a muscle group can contract and release before it fatigues. The exercises used include the push-up test and core strength and stability test. In some cases, a trainer will use a metronome to see how long can you keep up with the rhythm. The results are then compared to people of the same age group and sex to establish your baseline levels. Strength and endurance tests are valuable as they help the trainer pinpoint which muscle groups are stronger and which are vulnerable and in need of focused attention. Flexibility TestingMeasuring the flexibility of your joints is vital in determining whether you have postural imbalances, foot instability, or limitations in your range of motion. There are a variety of tests used to measure flexibility including:
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By Elizabeth Quinn, MS Thanks for your feedback! Which of the following physical fitness test is used to measure the ability of the body to move in different directions quickly *?Agility – is the ability to move in different directions quickly using a combination of balance, coordination, speed, strength and endurance.
What is the ability to maintain equilibrium in a fixed position?Static Balance: it is the ability to maintain the body in some fixed posture. Static balance is the ability to maintain postural stability and orientation with centre of mass over the base of support and body at rest.
What test can measure balance?Posturography, also known as computerized dynamic posturography (CDP). This test measures your ability to maintain balance while standing.
Why physical fitness is considered as the measure of the body's ability?Physical fitness is considered as a measure of the body's ability to function efficiently and effectively during work and leisure activities. In order to remain physically fit and healthy, we need to engage ourselves in physical activities and take measures for physically fit.
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