Fitness assessments are an important part of beginning any exercise program. Assessments measure cardiovascular efficiency, muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance and body composition.

Assessments take one hour. Assessment results are used to individually tailor exercise programs. They are also used as a baseline for measuring improvement and for program evaluation.

The protocol used is the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal (CPAFLA). The CPAFLA is a battery of fitness measures, developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, in which a standard protocol predetermines the task intensity and duration. Certified appraisers are sanctioned to interpret CPAFLA results, and provide you with general information on various aspects of lifestyle.

All results are completely confidential between you and the fitness staff.

What is the purpose of a fitness assessment?

       · To pre-screen for health risks
       · To establish current fitness level for comparison purposes at a later date
       · To discuss lifestyle habits and interests in various fitness activities
       · To help establish an individual program with specific and realistic exercise goals
       · To answer your questions and discuss any concerns

An evaluation of your physical fitness is based on your:

       · Resting heart rate and blood pressure
       · Cardiovascular fitness
       · Body composition
       · Muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility

How to prepare for your fitness assessment appointment:

The fitness assessment is not a pass or fail. It is a measure of your fitness level today. To help you prepare for your appointment here are some guidelines to follow:

About the CPAFLA Fitness Assessment System

The protocol used is the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Appraisal (CPAFLA). The CPAFLA is a battery of fitness measures, developed by Fitness Canada, in which a standard protocol predetermines the task intensity and duration. Certified appraisers are sanctioned to interpret CPAFLA results, and provide the client with general information on various aspects of fitness and lifestyle.

The CPAFLA protocol includes the following measurements:

·        Resting and post exercise blood pressure

·        Resting, exercise and post exercise heart rates

·        Anthropometric measurements

·        Strength and flexibility tests Muscular endurance is determined using push-ups (maximal number of repetitions) and curl-ups (partial sit-ups at a rate of 25 per minute for a maximum of one minute). Flexibility is evaluated using a sit-and-reach protocol

·        Sub maximal aerobic capacity step test Aerobic fitness is predicted using a sub maximal step test protocol called the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test. This test requires subjects to step up and down a two-step staircase. (Steps are 20cm in height.) The pace of stepping is increased at three-minute intervals until the subject reaches 85% of their age predicted maximum heart rate (220 - age), or when they show signs of distress. Post-exercise blood pressure and heart rate are monitored to ensure an appropriate recovery has occurred