£30 booking deposit – Non-refundable on bookings cancelled 24hours prior to appointment
What is it?
This test is designed to test and individual’s aerobic fitness and capacity. The Chester Step Test is a sub maximal (this means you don’t have to work to exertion) test which requires you to step onto, and off a 30 cm / 12″ step (a standard gym bench), at a rate set by a metronome, sufficient to elicit a heart rate of around 80% max heart rate at a moderate level of exertion. It is a multi-staged test so every 2 minutes there is an increase in the rate of the step. Exercise heart rates are then plotted on a graph and an aerobic capacity and fitness rating may be calculated.
This test has been used globally for over two decades in a wide variety of workplace settings including the fire, police, prison, ambulance, military services, oil, gas and offshore wind farm industries and other scenarios where an aerobic capacity assessment is required.
How long does it take?
This is dependent on your fitness levels. A 30min consultation is blocked out with one of our healthcare professionals. However, this include pre-test screening, explanation of the test, completion of the test and test results analysis and explanation. The test it’s self usually takes around a maximum of 10mins to complete.
What to wear/bring?
Whilst this test is sub-maximal and doesn’t involve any running, we advise that comfortable clothing is worn. This could include a light/sports T-shirt and shorts/gym pants. However, this is just considering your comfort. Flat shoes should be worn. Sports trainers are ideal for this test, however, not essential
We advise that you bring a bottle of water with you as your heart rate will be raised and it is important to stay hydrated.
Post test:
After the test, we ask you to remain with us for 10mins, or until your heart rate has returned to its normal resting rate. This allows us time to go through your results with you also. You are then free to go home. If any cardiac symptoms are experienced, such as dizziness, chest pain and left arm pain, you should seek immediate medical attention. However, due to this being a sub maximal test, it’s is highly unlikely that this will occur.
On completion, you will be given a score and receive a Certificate of Test.