When it comes to sports and other type of recreation, it can help to know where you stand physically. Whether you are a professional athlete or simply want to know more information regarding your overall health and athletic ability, physiological testing may offer some valuable information. Many find that the information gathered during this type of testing can help them find more efficient ways to train and to increase their overall performance. Here are three things that you should know about physiological testing.

It Gives You A Baseline

When it comes to sports and other physical activities, the more you do, the higher your fitness level will be. However, sometimes it can be difficult to see where you can improve, especially if you are already in great condition. Physiological testing is done in a controlled environment and gives you a look at your fitness level and areas where you may be able to see some improvement. Physiological testing is also a great to get a baseline of where you are currently. This will allow you to track an improvements you have made if you go through testing again in the future.

There Are Different Types of Testing

Another thing that you should be aware of is that there are different types of physiological tests that can be done. These tests can measure how efficiently your heart is working, your cardiovascular ability, your muscle strength, flexibility, and more. Some tests that you may want to look into include stress tests, body composition tests, agility tests, flexibility tests, and even tests that are specific to certain sports. When choosing between the different types of physiological testing, it's important to consider your goals and what information you need in order to improve your performance. 

Costs of Physiological Testing

It's also important to consider the costs of physiological testing if you believe that it can help you. Costs can range from very affordable to expensive. The cost of testing can also vary from sport to sport and depending on the area you live in. One common physiological test is a stress test which determines the amount of stress your heart can handle. With insurance the average cost is between $200 and $400. Without insurance costs range from $1,000 to $5,000. Body composition testing can range from as little as $10 for caliper measurements to hundreds of dollars for more sophisticated scans. 

Physiological testing is something that many athletes may benefit from. These tests can give you a good baseline on which to measure future improvements. There are a variety of test to choose from many of which are specific to certain sports. The costs can vary ranging from affordable to thousands of dollars. Talk to a company like Plan 7 Coaching to learn more.