Fitness Testing Provides Personalized Exercise Programs

Most people know that exercise is recommended for better health, and that 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, such as walking or swimming, every day is adequate.  You've also heard that strength training is important, to maintain functionality in daily life, prevent osteoporosis, increase lean muscle mass and prevent injury.  These are important things to remember for a healthy lifestyle, but for anyone interested in seeing the results of their hard work in the gym or at the park, fitness assessment is a rewarding experience. 
   
At the Marshall Recreation Center, we enjoy bringing a new exerciser or athlete into the lab and measuring their percentage of body fat, body circumference, flexibility, blood pressure, VO2 (cardiovascular fitness), muscular strength and muscular endurance.  Often times the results are surprising to the individual, and if the scores are low, it can be just the jumpstart needed to dedicate or re-dedicate someone to exercise.
   
After the results are reported, a periodized exercise plan based on the person's goals and needs is provided to guide each workout.  Many people also work with a Campus Recreation Personal Trainer for extra accountability and safety.
   
The exercise plan uses a person's anaerobic threshold, as determined by the metabolic cardiovascular test, to print out a detailed minute by minute workout with intensity levels measured by heart rate.  The cardiovascular plan can be used for elliptical, treadmill, pool, bike and many more modes of exercise.  The assessment also gives baseline data to show improvements in flexibility, endurance, strength, blood pressure and body composition.
   
Lately, there has even been a trend toward businesses promoting worksite health and fitness.  Now local businesses can get involved on the growing trend through our Corporate Wellness Services, which include exercise testing, prescription, group training, fitness classes and educational sessions.  This is a great way for employers to reward those employees who take steps to improve their health and reduce medical costs and sick leave.
   
If you hope to lose weight, reduce your medications, train for a race, become stronger, increase confidence or find motivation by comparing yourself to average health standards, fitness testing is the place to start your journey.
   
For more information on fitness testing please contact Heather Smith M.S.,
wyatt6@marshall.edu or 304-696-3653. Also visit www.marshallcampusrec.com