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Testing unique to area, info session Friday
Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness owner Tammy Salonen was tested by Shane Paulson, an exercise physiologist.:: Photo by Amy Chaffins
There are two tests now offered at Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness in Glenwood that do exactly that - Metabolic Testing and VO2 Testing.
Exercise physiologist Shane Paulson, who conducts the tests, said, "No two people are the same and one exercise routine may not be the best for everyone."
"This equipment will test exactly where you're at and where you need to be," he said. "It eliminates the guessing in our profession. There's more information for people so they feel more involved."
Metabolic Testing
Metabolic Testing is kind of like a blueprint that details your body's exact metabolic rate.
Paulson said this test produces information that's key to weight loss because you will be armed with the knowledge of how to feed your body and still achieve weight loss.
Here's how the test works:
• Test participants are hooked up to a mask and asked to sit back, relax and breath in and out at a resting pace.
• For about 15 minutes, the air you breath out is analyzed to determine the exact amount of oxygen your body consumed.
• This information is then converted into the amount of energy your body used.
• Finally, the total amount of energy expended is converted to calories.
Here's what the test results will reveal about your body:
• The number of calories that you would burn if you simply sat in a chair all day long.
• A better picture of how much energy your body needs.
• Calories that need to be burned during exercise to add up to energy deficit that stimulates fat loss.
• The number of calories that you need to eat to stay at your current weight, maintain athletic performance, or maintain a new weight loss goal that has been met.
• The maximum number of calories that you can consume to lose weight at a safe rate - taking the guess work out of modifying your diet.
This test is $50 and offered to anyone - regardless off whether or not you're a member at Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness.
VO2 Testing
The VO2 Testing calculates an individual's optimal training zones.
Here's how the test works:
• A participant is hooked up to a mask and computer that measures the amount of oxygen your body uses at different levels of exertion.
• A participant then exercises - on a stationary bike or treadmill - while an exercise physiologist monitors you and instructs you to gradually intensify your activity level over a 10-15 minute period.
• The information gathered is calculated to determine your personal optimal training zone.
Here's what the test results will reveal about your body:
• For athletes, or those accustomed to exercise, the test will identify your exact level of cardiorespiratory efficiency.
• An exercise prescription will be developed to help you meet and maintain your goals.
• Check your progress against the baseline VO2 test.
Paulson said that a common misconception is that exercise must be very intense, uncomfortable or even painful. Different fitness goals are best met with specific levels of intensity which an exercise physiologist can prescribe based on the VO2 test results.
This test is $125 and also offered to anyone - regardless of whether or not you're a Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness member.
Unique to the area
While these tests have been performed in exercise physiology labs for decades, Paulson said it's new to the general public and unique to this area of the state.
The testing will be offered at Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness on Fridays, depending on demand.
In the meantime, a free, informational seminar will be offered Friday, April 17, at 12:45 p.m. at Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness for anyone interested in the Metabolic and VO2 Testing process. The session is open to everyone.
"This is a learning process and hopefully, the test results will help people make more sense of exercise," Paulson said.
For more information, call Tammy at Minnewaska Wellness and Fitness at 634-0348.
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