Fitness Assessment

Bri Rehborg

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Grand Canyon University

EXS-250: Resistance Training and Cardiovascular Health

Dr. Havenar

11/13/2022

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 Fitness Parameters and Tests

A client came to me for training, they are 30 years old, with obesity and high blood

pressure. They are looking to lose weight and lower blood pressure. Prior to developing a proper

exercise program, however, we need to first complete some fitness parameter tests. I will be

testing 2 forms of aerobic capacity, and 2 tests of general fitness: flexibility and muscular

endurance.

First, I will test flexibility in my client because that is something they are looking to

improve in this exercise program. According to our text “NSCA's Essentials of Personal

Training” (2011), Flexibility refers to the range of motion (ROM) around a joint (e.g., shoulder)

or a series of joints (e.g., vertebral column)” (p. 377). I have chosen to test the Sit and Reach test

on my client, because it is often used to measure hip and low back flexibility. For this test I will

warm up my client moderately. Next, they will sit down, and reach are far as they can, keeping

their legs straight. Then the distance will be measured to determine flexibility. I have decided to

start with this test because it will take little effort to achieve.

Next for aerobic capacity, I will be using the Rockport walking test which is designed to

measures the time it takes to brisky walk 1 mile. According to our text “NSCA's Essentials of

Personal Training” (2011), the Rockport walking test was “developed to estimate VO2max for

men and women ages 18 to 69 years because this test requires only walking at a fast pace.” (p.

371). The object of this test is to get the mile done as fast as the client can. This test only

requires walking, so it makes it useful for testing sedentary individuals, such as my client. I

chose to do this test second, since my client will be walking so it will not take up all their energy.

Then for aerobic capacity, I will be using the YMCA Cycle Ergometer test. This test is

unique and important because it is a submaximal, multistage exercise test to measure

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cardiovascular endurance and is designed to progress the client to 85% of their predicted

maximal HR (NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training, 2011, p. 364). This is completed on a

stationary bike, by measuring 3-minute stages of increasing work by monitoring RPM. This is an

appropriate test for my client because they will be able to complete it because it is not too

vigorous. As it will be difficult, I will support them to push through the test. I chose to place this

test third because the Rockport walking test will not take as much exertion because I predicted

that my client will mainly walk.

Last, I will measure muscular endurance, which is “ability of a muscle or muscle group to

exert submaximal force for extended periods” (NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training, 2011, p.

375). I will be testing this by completing the YMCA Bench Press Test, which is used to

measures upper body muscular endurance. In this test, the resistance is set at 80 lbs. for males

and 35 lbs. for females, with the metronome cadence at 60 beats/minute. The client will complete

until they can no longer lifted the barbell to the cadence of the metronome, then score will be

evaluated. I chose this test for my client because they want to improve their muscular endurance

and become stronger. This is a great test to evaluate and measure muscular ability. I chose to do

this test last because I wanted to do the strength test after the aerobic tests, so their muscles were

not fatigued before the tests.

Validity and Reliability

Validity and reliability are important to have throughout these fitness test so the exercise

program can be consistent and accurate to my clients needs. Validity is described as accuracy of

making sure a test measured what it intended to measure. Reliability measures consistency and

ability to be replicated. In the process of selecting correct test to use on a client, there are many

threats that can affect reliability and validity. Types of threats that can affect validity and reality

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can be age, gender, health status, pretraining status, personal trainer, equipment, environment,

temperature, altitude, air pollution and test setting (NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training,

2011, p. 322). I will minimize threats to validity and reliability for each of the tests. Each test

will be monitoring validity and reliability by regulating temperature, keeping the environment

constant through the tests, and making sure the setting of each of the 4 tests can keep my client

comfortable and motivated.

Client Communication

These tests are important to help you gain an understanding of fitness and how to take

care of your body and mind. Each of these 4 tests will help me gain an understanding of how I

can help you in your goals. Leaning about your background physiological status and your current

health will help me appropriately assess your fitness so I can create a plan that’s just for you.

This also will help you to achieve you goals of lowering your blood pressure, losing weight, and

ultimately being a healthier person. I believe in you, if you can believe in yourself and take the

first step toward change.

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 Resources

(2011). NSCA's essentials of personal training: National strength and conditioning association

(2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.

© 2020. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.