Jose Orozco
The Paw Print
Now that Adams State University has started its first official fall semester, the Human Performance and Physical Education (HPPE) department has also opened its doors for all campus and community members to visit the Human Performance lab.
The lab is overseen by Dr. Tracey Robinson, and graduate assistant Maria Martinez. The Human Performance lab is located in Plachy hall, one door down from the Athletic Training office, and is open on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. starting Aug. 30.
Robinson and Martinez will both be offering fitness testing, by appointment only, on these days. Appointments can be set up by calling Maria Martinez at 587-7246 or by email at martinezmm008@grizzlies.adams.edu.
Appointments can also be set with Dr. Tracey Robinson and her contact information is tlrobins@adams.edu and she can be called at (719) 587.7663.
For those thinking, “well, I’m not an athlete, why should I care?” The answer is simple. For freshman these tests can help develop a fitness regiment that will help you avoid the dreaded freshman 15.
That 15 pounds the typical freshman gains due to change in lifestyle activities. Others can get testing to see how fit they are and see how they can either improve, or maintain their optimal performance. Those who are not a student at Adams, then it is important to them for the same reason.
These tests are being offered at a reasonable price to help you identify fitness levesl, and develop an individualized fitness plan based on personal goals, needs, physical limitations, and desired commitment level.
The VO2 max test is $50 and is one of the best predictors of aerobic endurance. This test also measures the blood lactate levels which can help individualize training plans. The VO2 Max test lasts about 45 minutes. The Wingate anaerobic power test costs $10. The actual test is 10 minutes of all-out riding on a specialized bike, with proper warm-up and cool-down.
The body composition test is one of the more commonly known tests offered and is a measure of body fat percentage relative to lean mass. This test costs $5 and lasts about five minutes.
The last assessment offered at the Human Performance lab is the Fitness Age test. This test is a comprehensive test of muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. This test takes all of these scores and determines your fitness “age.” This test lasts about 20 minutes. The Fitness Age test is the best way to determine overall fitness level with scores in several areas. The Fitness age test only costs $10 and seems to have the most bang for your buck.
A healthy body equals a healthy mind. Stay fit this year with the help of the Human Performance lab.
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