Fitness Center Entrance Procedures

To optimize safety during exercise testing and participation, and to allow the development of an effective exercise program, initial screening of participants relative to important health factors is necessary.  This screening is accomplished via the use of a detailed personal health risk appraisal.  When the appraisal is completed, return it and you will be scheduled for your initial fitness assessment.

• Fitness Program Health Risk Appraisal (DLIS Form 1831)

The purpose of fitness testing is primarily to provide data about the primary components of fitness that are helpful in the design of an exercise program.  Fitness testing also educates individuals about the concepts of physical fitness and individual fitness status.  Finally, fitness testing motivates participants by establishing attainable goals. The fitness assessment consists of the following:

• Aerobic Capacity - this test takes place on a stationary bike while monitoring heart rate to determine your aerobic capacity.
• Muscular Fitness - muscular strength and endurance are assessed via a bench press, grip strength, and 1-minute timed abdominal curl-up tests.
• Body Composition - measures your percent of body fat.
• Pulmonary Function- measures lung capacity in terms of volume of air exhaled.
• Flexibility - a sit-and-reach test is used to assess flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings.

The purpose of the orientation is to go over the results of the fitness assessment, acquaint the participant with the equipment in the fitness center, and review basic operating policies. Based upon the results of the fitness assessment and personal interests, an exercise program is designed for the participant. The participant is then taken through the appropriate equipment and given correct operating instructions.