fi tness testing
FITNESS TESTING APPS A selection of fitness tests are also available for download by smartphones, but as yet these applications don’t come close to rivalling the accuracy of an in-club test. Apple’s two most popular apps are The Fitness
Test by the Tappy App Co. Ltd and the Instant Heart Rate by Azumio. The former is based on the beep test, often used by coaches and trainers, where individuals run between 20m markers when a beep sounds, until they can no longer keep up with the beep. However, this is a hard test and is only intended for use by people who know they are fi t and healthy. The Instant Heart Rate uses the camera of an
iPhone 4/4S to detect the user’s pulse, and then displays the heart rate, which beeps with the pulse. A real time chart shows the heart beat.
Measurements are sent from Tanita’s monitors to a wrist-top device
fi tness improvement, using personal information to ensure accuracy. It also shows the user which of these they are achieving at any point during a training session, by visually indicating the centre point between these two training effects: when the user is below that point, they are improving fat burning, and above that point they are improving aerobic fi tness. This assists personal trainers in changing the way people train, focusing on training at the right intensity to achieve goals and helping users to get maximum benefi t most effi ciently. This is a great asset for PTs and clubs,
according to Polar’s UK performance and training manager Liz Shenton.
“With accurate feedback, the PT knows exactly how much their client has trained and how this has affected fi tness levels,” she says. “The PT can easily adjust the training programme to ensure their client stays on-track and realises their goals. The ultimate benefi t is increased motivation for the end user and effi cient training for the PT.” Fitness expert David Marshall has
used the Polar heart rate monitor for years, including with celebrities such as Sophie Dahl and Lily Allen. “Polar heart rate monitors allow me to guide my clients and help them train at the right level to achieve their goals. I can also tell them what their heart rate should be when they are exercising outside of
their personal training session, so they can train effectively on their own too.”
analytical software Fitech’s system monitors a range of 45 physical measurements – such as BMI, body composition, stamina and strength – as well as questionnaire-based lifestyle, nutrition and exercise components for a complete picture of your client’s health status. All tests are taken independently and then entered into the system. The latest version, Fitech V5, is a
software-based analysing system. Data from a fi tness test for example – such as the Chester Step Test, which is used to determine fi tness/ VO2
/ stamina – is
entered into the system and assessed in relation to other factors such as gender, age, height and weight to produce a fi tness score. These results are stored and collated into an end user report. “Our research has shown that
members who undergo regular fi tness assessments are more likely to stay with their club/PT,” says Rowland Kendall, Fitech’s leisure development manager.
“The start point for self-improvement is a full appreciation of the current fi tness level. Fitech tools have been developed to support, not replace, the fi tness professional: Fitech V5 is accessed by the fi tness professional, not the member. Members/clients need the personable interaction of one-on-one sessions.”
“The start point for any self-improvement is a full appreciation of the current fi tness level”
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body composition Tanita now uses bio- electrical impedance (BIA) to measure body composition. This is similar to a traditional bathroom scale, but electrodes scan the body
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to collect data such as body fat and muscle mass. Tanita’s latest device, the Tanita BC-1000 Body Composition Monitor, can even send measurements wirelessly to a Garmin Fitness Watch, which allows users to monitor how their training is affecting their body. A recent model, the Tanita Pro Pack,
is aimed at professional trainers. It uses the BIA technology to measure body fat, hydration levels, muscle mass and visceral fat, and provides essential progress indicators such as physique rating, daily calorie intake and metabolic age. Data can be stored to provide trend analysis, health risk assessments and set targets. Tanita bio-impedance scales are now
also integrated into the MYZONE system and online profi le, with extensive health assessment data able to be transmitted direct to a member’s personal online MYZONE account in a matter of seconds. A trainer can repeat the test every four to six weeks, with the differences in scores easily viewed and tracked online. MYZONE CEO Dave Wright believes
this is an invaluable tool for clubs, because members like to have regular feedback to see their progress. He also believes the information can be used by PTs to interact more with clients.
“The PT’s skill-set is his/her knowledge, experience and understanding of the metrics,” says Wright. “This test means the PT doesn’t have to spend so much time taking down and recording readings, so they can focus more on the human interaction – talking about the readings and the results.”
healthclub@leisuremedia.com kath hudson
april 2012 © cybertrek 2012
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