Performance Testing for Power
This is the first of multiple posts talking about the importance of performance testing. So stay tuned and subscribe for more!
It is no new concept that generally people start a fitness program becuase they want to look better, and hopefully, feel better. But so many cookie cutter programs focus way too much on physical appearance alone. During the beginning part of a program is when the most changes happen to your body, physically and physiologically. It is so motivating seeing yourself lose inches and scale weight! But after a time (usually about 4-8 weeks) those changes become less and less, and eventually you might go weeks without seeing the scale change. Hell,
you might even see it go up! And that is so de-motivating, when the only thing you have to judge yourself with is weight. But what you don't realize is that so many more changes are happening in your body! Your blood pressure is lower, heart rate is lower (and more blood pumped per beat!), you are faster, stronger, have more endurance, have less body fat, are more flexible, and are better balanced and coordinated. But you really don't know all this becuase the only thing you tested is your weight...
It is so important, for your own motivation and well-being, to focus on things besides weight (and physical appearance). This is why I use a battery of fitness tests, so that I can track any and all improvements. After all, the more changes I see in these areas, the better! I stay motivated, and I might even come up with some new goals!
Below are a few fitness tests I use on myself and clients, to be aware the health and fitness is SO MUCH MORE than scale weight and physical appearance. These tests measure POWER and with any comprehensive fitness/health/wellness program, these will improve with training. Shown are upper body power, and lower body power.
