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Community Fitness Testing Program

Cornerstone Kinesiology Department

Cornerstone University’s Community Fitness Testing Program offers science‑based health and fitness assessments for members of our university and the greater Grand Rapids community.

Located in our on-campus Human Performance Laboratory inside the De Witt Center for Science & Technology, this program utilizes our laboratory resources to promote local wellness while enriching student learning and supporting program sustainability. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide these testing services and to be a fitness education resource for our Grand Rapids neighbors.

Fitness Testing Offered

The Community Fitness Testing Program provides evidence-based physiological testing, including:

  1. Aerobic Capacity Testing (VO2 Max).
  2. Anaerobic Capacity Testing (Wingate Anaerobic Test).
  3. Body Composition Testing (Bod Pod).

All tests are performed in the Human Performance Lab (DEWT 100) in the De Witt Center for Science & Technology (building #4 on the campus map).

Aerobic Capacity Test

About The Test: We use a COSMED Quark CPET metabolic cart to measure aerobic fitness, or VO2 max. VO2 is a measure of the amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. This is the gold standard measure of aerobic capacity/fitness.

What To Expect: The goal of the test is to gradually increase your effort until the point of maximal fatigue and determine your maximum aerobic fitness level.

First you will be fit with a mask and a heart rate monitor. Then we place you on a treadmill and increase the effort until you reach a point of maximal exertion.

  • Estimated Testing Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Estimated Debrief Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Estimated Total Time: 45-60 minutes

 

This test uses the Bruce Protocol which is outlined below:

Stage
Speed (mph)
Treadmill Grade (slope)
Time (minutes)
Warmup
1.7
7%
90 seconds
1
1.7
10%
0-3
2
2.5
12%
3-6
3
3.4
14%
6-9
4
4.2
16%
9-12
5
5.0
18%
12-15
6
5.5
20%
15-18
7
6.0
22%
18-21

Pre-Test Instructions: Follow the below instructions prior to your testing day.

  • Arrive in good health and free of any respiratory condition or illness within 2 weeks of testing.
  • Wear comfortable athletic clothing and training shoes.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise the day before the test.
  • Arrive well hydrated and ready to exercise.
  • Eat prior to your test so that you have energy to perform well. However, don’t overeat immediately prior to the test.
  • Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol and supplements 12-24 hours prior to the test.

Who Can Test: There is a bit of risk involved with this test. Therefore, for this test we only accept individuals identified as low risk for cardiovascular disease.

Moderate to high risk individuals are unable to complete this test. You are considered moderate to high risk if you meet two or more of the following criteria:

  • Age (men > 45 years, women > 55 years).
  • Family history of cardiovascular disease.
  • Smoker.
  • High blood pressure (untreated).
  • High cholesterol (untreated).
  • Diagnosed with chronic disease (CVD, diabetes, cancer, COPD, etc.).

Anaerobic Capacity Test

About The Test: We use a Monark Cycle Ergometer to measure your anaerobic capacity. This information is used to determine your anaerobic capacity in terms of peak power, mean power, and fatigue index.  This is the gold standard of anaerobic capacity/fitness.

What To Expect: The Wingate Anaerobic Test will be performed on a cycle ergometer and is primarily used to measure an individual’s anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power outputs. The test is considered supramaximal intensity.

This test requires you to cycle at maximal effort for 30 seconds. You will pedal against 7.5% of your body weight in kg. You will experience much lower body fatigue at the end of the test.

Important Notice: Light headedness, fatigue, vomiting, and fainting are all possible but will be mitigated by allowing for ample recovery time in the supine position following the test.

Pre-Test Instructions: Follow the below instructions prior to your testing day.

  • Arrive in good health and free of any respiratory condition or illness within 2 weeks of testing.
  • Wear comfortable athletic clothing and training shoes.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise the day before the test.
  • Arrive well hydrated and ready to exercise.
  • Eat prior to your test so that you have energy to perform well. However, don’t overeat immediately prior to the test.
  • Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol and supplements 12-24 hours prior to the test.

Who Can Test: There is a bit of risk involved with this test. Therefore, for this test we only accept individuals identified as low risk for cardiovascular disease.

Moderate to high risk individuals are unable to complete this test. You are considered moderate to high risk if you meet two or more of the following criteria:

  • Age (men > 45 years, women > 55 years).
  • Family history of cardiovascular disease.
  • Smoker.
  • High blood pressure (untreated).
  • High cholesterol (untreated).
  • Diagnosed with chronic disease (CVD, diabetes, cancer, COPD, etc.).

Body Composition Test

About The Test: We use a Bod Pod to measure your weight and body volume. This information is used to determine your body density and calculate your percentage of body fat.

What To Expect: You will need to arrive wearing compression clothing for the test to be accurate. First you will be weighed on a scale and then you will be placed in an egg-shaped device called a Bod Pod. You will sit quietly in the device for about 5 minutes while 2-3 measurements are taken. Afterwards, you will receive a printed report, and our team will help interpret your report. From this test, you will learn your body mass index, percent body fat, and estimated energy expenditure. The range of error for this test is ± 1.0-2.7%.

Pre-Test Instructions: Follow the below instructions prior to your testing day.

  • No food, drink, or exercise at least 3 hours prior to testing.
  • Use the restroom before testing, if necessary.
  • Don’t apply any lotions or skin creams prior to your test.
  • Remove glasses and all jewelry (if possible).
  • Wear minimal, form-fitting compression clothing.
    • Men: Thin fabric shorts, Lycra/spandex-type swimsuit or single-layer compression bike-style shorts (no padding). Clothing can be supplied by our testing team, if needed.
    • Women: Lycra/spandex-type swimsuit or bike-style shorts and sports bra (no wire or padding). Clothing can be supplied by our testing team, if needed.
    • A swim cap will be provided to compress any air pockets within the hair.

Who Can Test: The Bod Pod has a weight capacity of 450 lbs. Individuals over 6 feet and 6 inches in height may find it difficult to fit inside the Bod Pod.

Testing Costs and Discounts

Credit card, cash, or check are acceptable methods of payment. The following payment amounts will be due at the time of your test:

Type of Test
Local Community Rate
Cornerstone Rate
Aerobic Capacity (VO₂ Max Test)
$100
$50
Anaerobic Capacity (Wingate Test)
$70
$35
Body Composition (Bod Pod Test)
$50
$25

Discounts:

  • Combine two tests: save 5%
  • Combine three tests: save 10%
  • Track Your Progress Plan (quarterly testing, 4x/year): additional 10% off

Informed Consent

All participants are required to read and sign an Informed Consent document prior to testing. You may read the document in advance by accessing it below.

Book Your Fitness Testing

Testing requires advance registration and walk-ins are not accepted. Please book a testing date and time below.

Cornerstone University

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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