THE DEXA SCAN
Key Benefits:
- Body Composition Analysis
- Bone Health Assessment
- Progress Tracking
How the scan works:
- The scan uses x-Ray technology with minimal radiation (equivalent to eating 4 bananas). It is non-invasive and painless, typically lasting 10–20 minutes.
- You lie on a flat table while the machine scans your body.
- It provides detailed reports about specific regions (e.g., arms, legs, trunk) as well as overall metrics.
Why Use a DEXA?
- For Athletes: It’s a great tool to fine-tune training by understanding muscle and fat distribution.
- For General Health: Helps identify health risks like excess visceral fat or weak bones early.
- For Progress Monitoring: Tracks real changes in fat loss or muscle gain that regular scales can’t detect.
It's widely considered the gold standard for body composition analysis.
Vo2 Max
How the Test Works:
Equipment:
- You wear a mask connected to a machine that measures your oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output.
- The test is typically conducted on a treadmill.
Procedure:
The test begins at a low intensity, gradually increasing in difficulty.
You exercise to the point of exhaustion (or near exhaustion) while your breathing and heart rate are continuously monitored.
- Results:
- The data collected determines your VO₂ Max score.
- It may also provide information about your heart rate zones, anaerobic threshold, and overall fitness level.
Why Is It Important?
- For Athletes: Helps design more effective training plans by identifying your current fitness level and tracking progress over time.
- For Fitness Enthusiasts: Provides a baseline for improving endurance and understanding how efficiently your body works during exercise.
For Health Monitoring: A low VO₂ Max can indicate potential health risks, such as heart or lung conditions.
RMR
How Is RMR Measured?
RMR is typically measured using a metabolic test. Here’s how it works:
Preparation:
- The test is done in a rested state, often after fasting at least 5 hours and avoiding exercise or caffeine beforehand.
Procedure:
- You lie down or sit still while wearing a mask or breathing into a mouthpiece connected to a machine.
- The machine measures the oxygen you inhale and the carbon dioxide you exhale to calculate how many calories your body burns at rest.
- Results:
- The RMR score represents the number of calories your body uses at rest in a 24-hour period.
Why Is RMR Important?
Understanding your RMR helps you:
- Set Calorie Goals: Determine how many calories you need to maintain, lose, or gain weight.
Personalize Nutrition: Tailor your diet to ensure you're meeting your energy needs without over- or under-eating.