Fitness Assessment Program

The Employee Wellness Program (EWP) offers a variety of individual fitness tests and fitness test packages.

Body Composition is measured by skinfolds or by underwater weighing. Skinfolds assess body composition by measuring the thickness of the skin and subcutaneous fat at specific locations across the body. Underwater weighing estimates body volume and body density, from which body composition may be determined.

Aerobic Fitness is measured by a submaximal or maximal graded exercise test conducted on a cycle ergometer or treadmill. The intensity and mode are selected based on the age, exercise risk category of the participant, and the purpose of the test. Maximal oxygen uptake can be directly measured using a metabolic cart or it can be estimated using the participant’s heart rate response to exercise.

Assessment Packages are available that include a combination of tests. The Basic Fitness Assessment Package includes a skinfold assessment of body composition and a submaximal exercise test to estimate aerobic fitness. The Deluxe Fitness Assessment Package includes underwater weighing to assess body composition and a directly measured maximal oxygen uptake.