fi tness testing
LIZ SHENTON PERFORMANCE & TRAINING MANAGER POLAR ELECTRO UK
By testing fitness regularly, using heart rate monitors to measure and track ongoing improvements, we’ve noticed that members see improvements and stay motivated, while personal trainers receive accurate feedback to ensure training stays on the right track. The Polar Own Index aerobic fi tness
test only takes fi ve minutes during rest, making it ideal for clubs to use with new members at induction as well as on an ongoing basis. It measures cardiovascular fi tness by assessing the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), using personal information stored on the heart rate monitor to determine a unique VO2
STEVE RAVEN, CEO FITNESSASSIST
Fitness monitoring is the measuring of key fitness parameters and subsequent monitoring of change/improvements at regular intervals, and this is what gyms wishing to offer such a service should provide. The parameters depend largely on
what the member wants to achieve, but broadly speaking, they are covered by the following: Cardio-pulmonary effi ciency testing
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(aerobic endurance), which can be measured directly by the Cosmed Fitmate PRO gas analyser. Flexibility or mobility, measured
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by use of a goniometer or one of our custom-designed sit and reach box developments, especially the version which adapts to the subject’s arm and leg length. Speed, and more importantly
acceleration, which can be measured using our Brower Timing gates. Power generated, measured using the
Just Jump system, which electronically measures the height of a standing jump and therefore the power to weight ratio. Strength, measured either statically
– using back and leg or hand-grip dynamometers – or dynamically using fi tnessASSIST’s T-force system, which graphs the acceleration of full-range of weight lifting exercises.
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Hi-tech: fi tnessASSIST offers a range of equipment that gyms can use to run fi tness assessments
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital march 2011 © cybertrek 2011
“If a member knows their heart rate monitor is helping them realise their goals, they are likely to keep training,” says Shenton
score for each individual. A graph shows fi tness level at the time of each test, allowing users to track improvements. Meanwhile, Polar’s
EnergyPointer provides instant feedback to show if you’re burning fat or losing weight, ultimately helping users train at the right intensity to achieve their goals. It calculates the point at which the main effect of training is moving from fat- burning towards fi tness improvement, using personal information to ensure
accuracy. This can help personal trainers change the way people train, and ensures maximum benefi t is achieved for users in a time-effi cient manner. In our experience, if a member knows
their heart rate monitor is providing real feedback and helping them realise their goals, they are likely to keep training.
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