Optimise your fitness potential
We have a number of fitness tests which are compatible with different fitness goals and can be chosen according to your requirements and level of training. Regular fitness testing can be used to objectively measure the effectiveness of your exercise programme over time.
Appointment Fees |
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VO2max assessments - £60 |
VBodPod assessments - £40 |
CubaClinical Bone Scan assessments - £30 (or £20 if over 70 years-old; £0 if over 80 years-old) |
Spirometry assessments - £20 |
Isokinetic Dynamometer assessments - £60 |
RMR assessments - £60 |
The following fitness assessments are available at the BCOM Human Performance Laboratory at our Clinic, just across the road from Finchley Road Tube Station.
Aerobic Fitness/VO2 Max
Unfortunately, the VO2max assessment is currently not available until further notice due to equipment servicing. We will update this page when VO2max testing has resumed.
As assessed by maximal exercise stress test using Cortex Metalyser 3B on either bicycle ergometer or treadmill. The VO2 max is regarded as the gold standard test for aerobic fitness, and describes an individual’s ability to take in and utilise oxygen by the working muscles.
You will be sent a medical screening questionnaire which must be completed prior to testing to check suitability for a VO2 max test. If it is deemed not suitable, we may suggest an alternative submaximal exercise test.
Interested in a package of baseline assessments? See our fitness assessment packages here.
Availability, Booking and Fees
Live availability and online booking for VO2max assessments can be made via ‘You Can Book Me’. Alternatively please email Will Gowers and we will accommodate your request as best as possible.
VO2max assessments cost £60 which includes an electronic report following the assessment.
BodPod Body Composition System
Those looking to monitor the effectiveness of their training or weight loss programmes should consider having a BodPod body composition measurement at BCOM.
The impact of excess fat on health and athletic performance is important and may be masked by an apparently healthy weight. Athletes may be more concerned with increasing overall lean mass which can also be tracked using the BodPod .
The BodPod measures body fat percentage and lean mass, including calculation of estimated total energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate. It is used to accurately and efficiently measure body mass.
Users sit comfortably in the BodPod chamber for two short readings , while the volume of air displaced by the body is measured. This, together with an accurate weight reading is used to calculate body fat percentage.
On average women should have less than 32% body fat and men less than 20% to be considered healthy.
Want to enhance your BodPod Assessment?
Given body mass and composition is a product of both energy intake (nutrition) and energy expenditure, you may also be interested in our Resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessment, or undertake one of our student-led basic nutrition consultations (additional costs apply for these assessments).
Availability, Booking and Fees
Live availability and online booking for BodPod assessments can be made via ‘You Can Book Me’. Alternatively please email Will Gowers and we will accommodate your request as best as possible.
BodPod assessments cost £40 which includes an electronic report following the assessment. Click here to see an example report.
Cubaclinical Bone Scan Assessment
Using CUBAclinical heel ultrasound, this test provides an estimate of the bone mineral density of the heel bone, which helps to indicate whole body bone health.
Interested in a package of baseline assessments? See our fitness assessment packages here.
Availability, Booking and Fees
Live availability and online booking for CubaClinical Bone Scan assessments can be made via ‘You Can Book Me’. Alternatively please email Will Gowers and we will accommodate your request as best as possible.
CubaClinical Bone Scan assessments cost £30 (or £20 if over 70 years-old; £0 if over 80 years-old) which includes an electronic report following the assessment. Click here to see an example report.
Lung function Testing (spirometry)
Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions (such as asthma) by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath. If you have difficulty breathing at rest, this test may provide objective evidence that you warrant further investigation with your GP for a lung condition.
Key outcomes we obtain are Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in One second (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF).
Interested in a package of baseline assessments? See our fitness assessment packages here.
Availability, Booking and Fees
Live availability and online booking for Spirometry assessments can be made via ‘You Can Book Me’. Alternatively please email Will Gowers and we will accommodate your request as best as possible.
Spirometry assessments cost £20 which includes an electronic report following the assessment. Click here to see an example report.
Muscle Strength and Power Assessment with Isokinetic Dynamometer
Accurately assessing muscle strength/power and incorporating specific resistance training is important for middle-aged and older persons if they intend to keep functioning optimally in activities of daily living (i.e fall prevention), exercise performance and injury prevention.
Using our Cybex Norm Isokinetic dynamometer, we are able to measure maximal force generated, work per repetition and fatigue index using Cybex Norm. (Usually working the knee, although other joints may be selected).
Testing leg strength may also provide insight into the risk of injury. The bilateral (or contralateral) comparison of strength between two limbs, and the ipsilateral comparison of strength between opposing or reciprocal muscles in the same limb is of interest.
You will be sent a medical screening questionnaire which must be completed prior to testing to check suitability for a maximal force test. Please note it is not advisable to book VO2max and muscle strength tests on the same day.
Interested in a package of baseline assessments? See our fitness assessment packages here.
Availability, Booking and Fees
Live availability and online booking for Spirometry assessments can be made via ‘You Can Book Me’. Alternatively please email Will Gowers and we will accommodate your request as best as possible.
Isokinetic Dynamometer assessments cost £60 which includes an electronic report following the assessment.
Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment
**Unfortunately, the RMR assessment is currently not available until further notice due to equipment servicing. We will update this page when RMR testing has resumed**
An understanding of your energy needs provides a sound scientific basis for any weight loss or maintenance plan. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the total amount of energy used by the body when at rest.
During measurement of RMR, you will rest for a 45-minute period on a massage couch, wearing a mask attached to our Cortex Metalyser. The Cortex device is a gas analyser which measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of exhaled air. Because the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide is altered depending upon the amount of energy used, and the amount of fat and carbohydrate providing that energy, the unit is a useful tool for objective measurement of RMR. This can then be matched with your energy intake if you are wishing to lose, maintain or gain weight.
Preparation
It is necessary to fast during the 12 hours prior to RMR testing, and to avoid exercise during the 24 hours prior to testing. In addition, alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs and smoking should also be avoided during the 24 hours before the test. This all helps ensure that metabolic rate is close to its true resting value.
Additional Assessment?
This test combines well with our BodPod Body Composition Systems assessment to get an accurate representation of your body fat percentage before commencing a training or dietary plan. In addition, you may be interesting in our specialist student led nutrition clinic.
Availability, Booking and Fees
**Unfortunately, the RMR assessment is currently not available until further notice due to equipment servicing. We will update this page when RMR testing has resumed**
Live availability and online booking for RMR assessments can be made via ‘You Can Book Me’. Alternatively please email Will Gowers and we will accommodate your request as best as possible.
RMR assessments cost £60 which includes an electronic report following the assessment.
To make an appointment visit 'You Can Book Me' or for further information please contact Will Gowers at william.gowers@bcnogroup.ac.uk.