Why fitness testing is important

Previous test results of large groups are often published as normative tables see more about norms. By comparing results to successful athletes in your sport, you can see the areas which need improvement, and the training program can be modified accordingly.

This way valuable training time can be used more efficiently. However, beware that some athletes perform well in their sport despite their physical or physiological attributes, and it may not be advantageous to be like them.

The initial testing session can give the athlete an idea of where their fitness levels are at the start of a program, so that future testing can be compared to this and any changes can be noted. A baseline is especially important if you are about to embark on a new training phase. Subsequent tests should be planned for the end and start of each new phase. Share: Facebook Twitter.

We have over fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer. How are Physical Fitness Tests Performed? After initial weight and body fat testing, resistance exercises will be requested, such as sit-ups, push-ups, or bodyweight squats, until exhaustion to determine their muscular endurance levels.

The session will also likely involve tests of maximum strength, as well as an assessment of cardiovascular fitness. A physical fitness test may also include a walk on a treadmill, or as many step-up exercises as possible within a specified period, or maximum capacity on a stationary bike.

The doctor will likely measure heart rate during and after these tests to determine just how well the heart is working. Who Performs a Physical Fitness Test? Typically, a sports medicine doctor is qualified to perform a physical fitness test and interpret the results.

A certified personal trainer may also perform a fitness test in a gym or fitness center. Often, a sports medicine doctor can provide a more comprehensive physical fitness evaluation and interpret the results on a clinical level. It is best to consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise program to reduce the risk of injury or health problems. In addition, a physical fitness assessment can tell a doctor if a person is healthy enough to engage in an exercise program.

Physical activity can be incorporated into a treatment program as a part of the recovery process, but first, a doctor must confirm that the body is healthy enough for exercise. Furthermore, a fitness assessment provides the doctor with baseline information about fitness levels and tells him or her what sort of exercise program is appropriate for individual needs.

Baseline fitness levels can also be used as a benchmark to determine if health and fitness are improving throughout the recovery journey. Why is Physical Fitness Important to Recovery? Mind and Body Wellness. A fitness assessment helps a doctor determine what sort of exercise program should be included in a treatment plan.

This is important because physical activity can play a crucial role in recovery. To begin with, it is important to achieve both mind and body wellness during the treatment journey. Often, when people are experiencing addiction, they are not taking care of their bodies with a proper exercise regimen. Physical fitness is, therefore, a part of the healing process when one begins to recover from an addiction.

It is also essential to consider the fact that the mind and body are connected. When the body is physically fit, the mind will benefit as well. For someone who is struggling with addiction, physical fitness can improve mental wellbeing, which is essential for recovery from substance abuse. In addition to helping a person heal from the physical effects of addiction and promoting mind-body wellness, physical fitness is important for recovery because it can support abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

Experts report that self-care is one of the most important aspects of recovery. Furthermore, they provide a healthier alternative to using drugs or alcohol to feel better. Over time, exercise can even be used as a relapse prevention tool. Not only does physical fitness provide a method for healthy coping in theory; it is also supported in the research. In , scientists writing for the medical journal PLOS ONE analyzed 22 different studies that evaluated the effects of exercise on people who were in treatment for substance use disorders.

The results showed that physical exercise was associated with abstinence from illegal drugs more than from other substances. Also, physical activity was found to be effective regardless of the type of exercise or exercise intensity. Therefore, physical fitness can improve addiction treatment outcomes. Because the specific type of exercise does not appear to be important, people can choose an exercise routine that works best for them.

Alternatively, the fitness instructor could set the machine to a particular distance and measure how long it takes the client to reach that distance. One-rep max — this is a common test to assess the maximum load that an individual can lift with one repetition. Pull ups — measuring relative body strength to see how many times a client can carry out a pull up using their own body weight.