Augustana kinesiology students host fitness clinic for the campus and community

During Augustana's Symposium Day on Oct. 8, trained students from the college's kinesiology program will host a fitness clinic in the Peter J. Lindberg, M.D. Center for Health and Human Performance. Students will conduct BodPod (body composition) and VO2 Max (cardiovasculary fitness) tests.

The two tests are open to everyone; the costs of the tests vary. Registration is required, and on the day of the tests all participants will be required to sign a waiver form. 

"Many of our students are interested in a career in the health care field," said Dr. Jeff Mettler, assistant professor of kinesiology. "The skills that they must develop in order to operate this clinic — using specific pieces of equipment, conducting health/fitness tests, interacting with patients/clients — are all skills that they will rely on in their future careers. This clinic provides them with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate those skills."

Body composition will be assessed using the BodPod, which requires participants to sit quietly in the machine for approximately 5-10 minutes while measurements of their body (such as body fat percentage and fat free mass) are taken. This test is available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

"It's a quick and accurate test," Dr. Mettler said. "The test results are valuable for understanding overall health and wellness. They can be used by an individual to monitor their body composition and track progress towards performance, physique or wellness goals." 

The VO2 Max test is a 10-15 minute test that assesses maximal endurance capabilities on either a treadmill or stationary bike. This test is available from 9 a.m.-1:15 p.m. 

Dr. Mettler describes the VO2 Max test as the "gold standard" measure of aerobic/cardiovascular fitness, meaning it is the most accurate measure of an individual's aerobic/cardiovascular fitness. 

"The results of the test provide an individual with insight into their endurance capabilities, as well as the overall health and condition of their cardiovascular system," he explained. "It can help an individual understand how much work they're capable of performing and their overall fitness level." 

For more details and to register for a time slot, go to:
BodPod testing
VO2max testing

Questions? Email kinesiologylab@augustana.edu to learn more.

Note: Students from Augustana College are trained to run the tests and will provide participants with their results. However, because they are not medical professionals, they will not discuss individuals' specific results or help them interpret their results directly. It is recommended that participants take their test results to their practitioner to interpret results.