What is a Physical Fitness Assessment?
What is a Physical Fitness Assessment?
SIX08 Health’s physical fitness assessment is a series of fitness tests that assesses an individual’s physical capabilities and overall health. There are four pillars of physical fitness: stability, mobility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. By assessing each pillar of one’s fitness, we can determine how each of these areas can contribute to or detract from one’s health. While it may not directly predict longevity (life span), a physical fitness assessment can provide valuable insights into factors that can influence how long someone may live in good health (health span).
Some benefits of completing a fitness assessment include obtaining a health baseline, risk assessment, motivation for healthy living, and tracking progress toward health goals. A PFA allows one to discover areas of their health that need attention, and the SIX08 Health team is here to provide recommendations for the most efficient remedy to your problem, whether that be lower body weakness, decreased stability, or musculoskeletal mobility limitations. After establishing a baseline fitness assessment, subsequent tests are recommended to monitor progress over time. This allows individuals to see how their fitness levels are changing in response to their exercise routines and lifestyle modifications.
A follow up appointment can be scheduled to review results and develop your tailored corrective exercise program. If opting out of the follow up appointment, your results will be emailed to you upon completion of report.
Pillars of Physical Fitness Assessment
Stability
Stability is a vital marker for overall well-being and longevity. It plays a significant role in maintaining an active, independent lifestyle as one advances through life. Stability is vital for fall prevention, physical independence, optimal physical activity, and functional longevity.
The Y Balance Test allows professionals to quarter the body (right upper and lower, left upper and lower) and assess for the core and each extremity function under bodyweight loads. The composite score gives a snapshot of your overall performance relative to your body. This score can tell us your risk for injury during activities of daily living or while participating in sports.
Mobility
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is designed to identify any limitations, imbalances, or dysfunctions in a person’s movement. Based on the results from your FMS, a physiotherapist can customize a program that addresses any deficiencies found. The primary goal of the FMS is to prevent injury and enhance physical performance.
Strength
Global strength & grip tests can provide useful information about your health, such as muscular strength, long-term functional independence, metabolic health, and longevity. Stronger muscles are generally associated with improved physical fitness and decreased all-time mortality.
Cardiovascular Endurance
A VO2 max test, or maximal oxygen consumption test, is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. It measures the amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. A higher VO2 max result typically indicates better cardiovascular fitness, which is important as it is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. A higher VO2 max result has also been linked with longevity and better quality of life.
Physical Fitness Assessment FAQ
What should I bring/wear for my physical fitness assessment?
Wear something you are comfortable working out in. Bring a pair of training shoes as well. Don’t forget your water bottle and light snack if you are prone to needing a pick-me-up mid-workout.
How long will a Physical Fitness Assessment take?
The PFA will take between 60 and 90 minutes. Plan for 90 minutes.
What should I expect during my first Physical Fitness Assessment?
You should expect a thorough fitness assessment. It starts slow and gradually gets more intense. Stability, mobility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance will all be assessed. At any point in the assessment, you can take breaks and rest. Our assessors are trained to determine your baseline safely and comfortably.
Should I eat before my physical fitness assessment?
It is recommended that you eat two hours before the PFA to ensure you have energy for the test, but not so soon that exercising on a full stomach makes you uncomfortable.
Am I going to be exhausted after my PFA? Will I need help to go home?
Our assessing staff are trained to get you through this assessment safely and comfortably. Bring water and food to ensure you have the hydration and energy you need to stay comfortable. If appropriate maximal exertion tests are performed in this assessment, it is common to be tired following the process.
Will I be sore after a PFA?
Due to the nature of the fitness assessment, one may be sore and a bit tired following the appointment. Much like going to the gym, it is normal to feel like your body has had a workout.
Will I know what to work on after my physical fitness assessment?
Following the PFA, your assessor will make recommendations on what to work on to ensure you work towards your goals.
Will there be recommendations made following my physical fitness assessment? I am not an athlete, but is this still relevant to me?
Recommendations will be made following the assessment. If you are doing the PFA as part of a Comprehensive Health Assessment (CHA), then our registered nurse will make these recommendations to go over with you following your final health review. If you are doing a PFA as a stand-alone service, the assessor will make recommendations to you following the assessment.
