Exercise tests that are used to diagnose heart and lung problems include treadmill walking or running tests and cycle ergometer tests. Heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG measurements are monitored during these tests to see if the heart functions normally during and after exercise. In some cases, oxygen measuring equipment is used to determine how efficient the person is at using oxygen during the exercise test. A person s cardiovascular fitness level can also be determined from the treadmill or cycle ergometer tests. The performance time on the treadmill or the amount of work achieved on the cycle ergometer during a maximum effort is used to quantify a person s cardiovascular fitness.
Muscular strength is also an important component of physical fitness.
It is tested using weights or calisthenic exercises such as push ups. Flexibility is a third fitness component that is assessed by measuring the range of motion of various joints in the body. This indicates how freely a person can move around in an exercise session without restrictions. Body fat and lean body weight are also measured as a fourth component of physical fitness. These measures help determine what types of exercises might be recommended for the individual to achieve ideal body weight.