Sports and Fitness
Taking a fitness test is a logical way to begin your new physical activity program. The Canadian Association of Sport Sciences (CASS) has established standardized guidelines across Canada which help provide consumers with safe, reliable and uniform fitness appraisals.
The fitness test consists of a series of simple measurements which will give an estimate of your overall fitness level. These tests commonly assess your cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition or percentage of body fat. Depending on the length and thoroughness of the fitness testing program, prices will range from $25-$150.
Private Consultation
The procedure is a private consultation between you and the fitness appraiser who will explain and demonstrate each test and encourage you to practice or warm-up before beginning. You will be asked to fill out a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) to help determine whether you should see a physical before starting a program.
Benefits of Results
A thorough assessment of your current fitness level points out your strengths and weaknesses. The results of your test will be compared with those of other Canadians and will be used by the appraiser to determine a starting point for maximum benefit.
This information coupled with discussions with you, will allow the appraiser to develop a program to match not only your current abilities but also to suit your activity preferences and lifestyle.
The session can usually be completed in 1 to 1 ½ hours, and the information is shared exclusively between you and the appraiser.
An Informed Consumer
Legally, anyone can conduct a fitness test, but Sports and Fitness Ontario advises that it be conducted by a trained physical educator. Ideally, the tester should hold a fitness appraisal certificate from the Canadian Association of Sport Sciences (CASS). In addition, many testing centres and other facilities have been accredited by CASS.
Staff who have received certification to administer fitness appraisals can be recognized as a Registered Fitness Appraisal (RFA) or as a Certified Fitness Appraiser (CFA)
Specialized Testing
The Standardized Test of Fitness (STF) is a comprehensive package of tests which requires specialists to perform and interpret the results. Many fitness and racquet clubs, YM-YWCAs and recreation departments use the STF to evaluate personal fitness levels.
The staff performing these tests should have a background in the exercise services and/or have completed the Registered Fitness Appraisal (RFA) Program organized by CASS.
More specialized fitness tests are also available which may include the use of sophisticated equipment. The individual performing the tests should have a degree in physical education and advanced training in exercise physiology and have completed the Canada Association of Sport Sciences’ Certified Fitness Appraiser (CFA) Program.
For more information on what’s available to you in your community, contact your local YM-YWCA, the parks and recreation department listed in the blue pages of the telephone book or telephone Sports and Fitness Ontario’s Field Services Office in your community.
Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation
Sports and Fitness Branch
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