Fitness testing is a way of gaining information about the health related and skill related components of an athletes fitness. Testing can take place in a number of environments, with laboratory testing being the most accurate, however there is still a large range of tests that can be carried out, away from a lab, which provide a lot of useful information.
Reasons for Fitness Testing
- To highlight the strengths and weakness of an athlete enabling a training program to be devised which addresses the findings
- To evaluate a training program, to see if it is helping the athlete in achieving set goals
- To measure fitness levels following injury, illness or following the off season
- To assist in setting goals
- To determine health status (in the non-sporting population)
- Talent identification
- To aid motivation