Here’s the skinny on what happens when you come in for your assessment:

You receive a personal assessment pack that is yours to keep. It includes a comfortable, somewhat stretchy, mask and the airflow sensors and accessories that are used during the assessment. It also includes an explanation of how and why a metabolic assessment makes such a difference in your fitness program. Everything is packaged in a nylon drawstring bag, which makes it easy to store your mask so you’ll have it for follow-up assessments.

There are two parts to the assessment. The first part measures your resting metabolic rate (RMR). Your fitness or health professional will help you position the mask over your nose and mouth, and then you get to kick back in a groovy, comfy chair for about 10 minutes. Hang out, breathe, try to stay awake. That’s all there is to it. (Your assessment will be most accurate if you’ve fasted for a few hours and are well rested. Mornings are a great time for this assessment.)

The second part of the assessment measures your metabolic rate during exercise. This portion requires a bit of get up and go. You’ll put the mask back on, and for 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll walk or jog on a treadmill (or ride a stationary cycle, hop on an elliptical, or whatever you like) at increasing levels of intensity. The payoff is worth it: This is where you’ll learn how many calories your body burns while exercising; whether those calories come mainly from fat, carbs, or a combination of both; and at what intensity level you burn calories most efficiently.

And that’s the science-based secret to creating a personalized, fitness plan.

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