Get a Fitness Baseline

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Goal Setting & Motivation for Women and other Womens Fitness topics.

What are some ways to measure and track my health and fitness?

Get a Fitness Baseline

There are a variety of health fitness services available at health clubs. These services can be a great way to get a "fitness baseline."

Getting a baseline for things such as body fat, strength and flexibility can provide you with information that you can use to measure progress in your fitness routine. It can also help you set reasonable fitness goals. Here are some baseline numbers that you may want to consider getting before starting or re-vamping a fitness program:

  • Body fat percentages: Typically done using calipers and measurements
  • Cholesterol numbers: A simple blood screen will be performed
  • Blood pressure: Taken by using a blood pressure cuff
  • Flexibility measurements: The tests for this vary
  • Strength measurements: Usually done by recording maximum lifts
  • Cardiovascular endurance measurements: Often done by taking a treadmill or bike test while having vitals monitored
The majority of these "tests" can be given at a health club, so you may want to inquire about them at the desk if you can't find any literature on them at the facility. Things such as cholesterol tests and blood pressure can be measured by a physician as well.

These services are sometimes offered for free, while other times there may be a charge for them. Some health clubs will offer specials or promotions where the testing is done at no charge. Community health fairs and screenings are other places that you may find these tests offered.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Womens Fitness Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Sherril Steele-Carlin
Buy My Book