Muscle fitness is based on a measurement of the muscles' STRENGTH,
ENDURANCE and FLEXIBILITY.

For clients without health complications, the best measurement of STRENGTH is
isometric testing. However, because isometrics can increase blood pressure,
at PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH I use the 10 RM dynamic (isotonic) STRENGTH
test and compare the results to the norms listed in ACE's Personal Training Manual.
I use this test for measuring both upper and lower body STRENGTH.

Muscular ENDURANCE is measured by the push-up, curl-up and bench
press test. The measurement is a count of how many repetitions are performed
until exhaustion of the muscle and the results are compared to norms and
classified accordingly.

Muscular FLEXIBILITY is measured in the shoulder girdle, low back, spine,
hamstring, and hip flexors. To prevent injury, FLEXIBILITY is a necessity,
therefore, FLEXIBILITY exercises must be incorporated in all fitness programs.

**To learn more about what fitness is, check out the WHAT IS FITNESS?
heart link.

Because my testing procedures are so in depth, the information gathered
provides a detailed foundation to design a completely personalized program to
meet the exact needs of each client.