Fitness Testing

Minimum wrestling weight

As certified technicians, we help wrestling coaches measure wrestlers' minimal wrestling weights (skinfolds) as required for all Minnesota high school and college wrestlers.

Body composition

Body fat and non-fat mass can be estimated using skinfolds, bioelectrical impedance and/or underwater weighing. This assessment is most useful for tracking yearly changes in body composition. It allows comparison of an individual’s body fat with standard values. Except for wrestlers, we generally discourage body fat assessments of athletes younger than 18.

Dietary assessment

We perform a complete nutritional analysis for individuals who want to modify or confirm his/her diet. We review the results and answer questions in a follow-up counseling session.

Endurance capacity (VO₂ max)

We routinely measure the endurance (aerobic) capacity of Olympic endurance athletes (distance runners, Nordic skiers). VO₂ max is the maximum amount of oxygen removed from the air and burned by working muscles during strenuous exercise. We rarely recommend measurement of athletes in intermittent sports such as hockey, football or basketball. Because this test requires multiple assessors, it is available pending staff availability. 

Submaximal and peak cardiovascular fitness (estimated VO₂ max)

We provide submaximal or peak testing that estimates your VO₂ max or cardiovascular fitness for those who want to know their fitness level without completing a max test. These tests are better suited for the recreational athlete or individual and can be individualized based on needs.

Lactate threshold

We routinely monitor lactate thresholds in Olympic endurance athletes by a series of finger-sticks during a test that gets progressively more difficult. Endurance athletes sustain a pace that corresponds to 80-95 percent of their VO₂ max. Exceeding that pace causes a rapid rise in blood lactate and premature fatigue. Lactate threshold is sensitive to training and a good predictor of endurance performance. Measuring lactate in non-endurance athletes is not recommended.

Anaerobic power output

We measure peak muscle power with leg ergometers during brief (30-second) explosive efforts. Athletes in explosive sports such as volleyball, hockey and football generally have exceptional power. 

Pulmonary function

We use a computerized pulmonary function test to evaluate athletes suspected of having air flow restrictions. The test is highly sensitive to flow disorders and results can be compared to established standards. Individuals exhibiting asthmatic symptoms are provided test results that can be presented to their personal physician.

Full fitness test

A complete fitness test is recommended for anyone who wants to start a fitness program or is interested in a comprehensive analysis of their current fitness status. This test includes all three body composition tests, pulmonary function, submaximal or peak cardiovascular fitness testing, and a comprehensive dietary analysis.

Youth and high school teams

• We help local teams determine their athletes' minimal wrestling weights at no charge.
• We seldom recommend testing of youth sport participants 18 and younger, except to determine minimum wrestling weight.
• We will provide free counsel about tests if a coach is convinced that some testing is necessary.

St. Cloud State University teams

• We provide free testing and counsel to our athletic teams and coaches.
• Our staff meets with the coaches to determine which, if any, testing is advised and discuss results after testing.

Others (Olympic, college, or recreational)

• We offer free counsel to other area college coaches and/or athletes at any level, but charge the following fees to cover costs.

If you come for testing or to visit the Human Performance Lab, you have several options. 

• Parking on residential side streets is free.
• Visitors are welcome to use the Husky Pay Lot which is on the South side of the stadium (East side of the National Hockey Center) and charges $0.75/half hour.
• Our campus map provides more information on parking.

To find the Human Performance Laboratory:

From the West

1. Enter door 9 of Halenbeck Hall (directly behind the Subway/gas station).
2. Immediately turn left and walk toward the women's locker room.
3. On your right will be a stairwell. Descend the stairs to the basement level.
4. At the bottom of these stairs, go through one set of doors and on your left you will enter the Human Performance Laboratory (HaH 111).

From the East (if parking in Husky Pay Lot)

1. Walk North and enter the doors behind the stadium.
2. Walk down the ramp past the indoor rock climbing wall past the Campus Recreation Guest Services Desk.
3. Just to the right of the bathrooms and drinking fountain is a gray door with red letters marked “Human Performance Lab” (HaH 111).