The Low Down on Fitness Testing

Fitness testing enables athletes, coaches and trainers to identify physical strengths and weaknesses relevant to their sport. They provide a benchmark from where a sports specific training program can be developed.

The absence of any initial benchmark ensures that without any information to base a planned training program on any subsequent training may indeed only end up addressing the areas that are already strong, and neglecting to the athletes detriment their weak points.

There are several reasons why fitness tests should form an integral part of the overall conditioning plan:

Benchmarking
A selection of sports specific tests enables a physical profile of the athlete to be constructed. Each component of fitness can have a specific benchmark set dependant on various factors. This allows comparison of the athlete's current levels to norms and standards, and identifies areas of strength and weaknesses.

Elite athletes are the cream of the crop and even then they do not always have the luxury of training full time - every day. So the majority of athletes need to make the most of the time and effort they do spend training. That is training smarter not necessarily always harder.

Goal Setting

Knowing where you are starting from opens up a whole new resource pool for setting specific and measurable goals. Generic, all encompassing goals of "I want to win" or "I am going to be the fittest on the team" are not targeted enough. Having more defined and measurable goals allows an athlete to shift the focus to the process which will enhance the likelihood of achieving the end result.

Being able to set a goal of increasing acceleration over 10m by .2 seconds, or increasing leg strength and power by jumping an extra 5cm by the start of the season are specific, measurable, achievable goals. More importantly a specific training program can be set to achieve these aims and its effectiveness can be measured.

Feedback
Spending time training, then it's important to be training efficiently - that is training smart and getting the most benefit. Establishing that you are getting the right results from a specific training program or method can only be achieved by testing regularly. Not doing so is just playing a game of pin the tail on the donkey!

Motivation
Subjective measurements of feeling faster or looking fitter are great - until the athlete's mindset changes with a bad day or an intimidating opponent makes them question that premise. Having objective and tangible measurements before and after a period of training shows an athlete exactly how far they have progressed and improved. Having a definite measure in black and white is usually more inspiring and motivating.

So it doesn't matter at what level you compete, if you are spending time training then take the time to include fitness testing. Remember the more accurate the measurements the more scope you have for measuring real improvements. The more repeatable the tests the longer you will be able to gain benefits with your training. One session - two or three times a season will make the difference in your performance.

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