[TempleBody]

Hey Ladies! I was just wondering if any of yall have done fitness tests or something of that sort to gauge your progress. I've been working out for nearly 4 weeks and I've come soo far in such a short time. I wish I could see the results on paper. I climb stairs without getting winded, can exercise longer without my heart going crazy, and I'm much stronger. I'm better at balancing (thank u yoga) and am more flexible.

Are there any fitness tests that I can do myself?

Do I need a personal trainer for fitness testing?

And if so can I get that alone or must I sign up for several training sessions?

Is it even advisable to do fitness testing at all?

[maryblu]

I've done it three times...once when I was still very fat, and now twice since I have lost weight....where I live, I can go to the fitness/rehab division of the hospital and for $35.00, a physcial therapist does it..body fat.....just with the pinchers, not as accurate as the water replacement method, cardio (on the treadmill) all kinds of flexibility tests and strength. There is lifestyle written test as well. I then get a print out of all and where I rank with other women my age. It is a good "benchmark" ..I guess I do it every 4 yrs. or so. There is also a workout plan, etc..recommendations on calorie intake. Great service. I don't stack up very well with my peers except for my weight.......*sigh......get off the couch.........*mumble *mumble

Interestingly, my strength has gone down. I have had the same therapist do it the last two times, and he said it is not unusual for that to happen with significant weight loss.

Hope you can find such a service....for me $35.00 is so reasonable for that kind of information...from my experience, I would recommend going the "real" medical route rather than a trainer. :-)