Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect with a DEXA scan?

  • For the most accurate results, wear comfortable clothing without any metal (e.g., zippers, buttons, or underwire bras). 
  • Stay hydrated and avoid consuming large meals right before your scan. 
  • You will be positioned on an open X-ray table while a large scanning arm moves slowly over your body. It is essential to remain as still as possible to ensure high-quality, accurate images. The scanning process typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes; however, please allocate approximately 30 minutes for the entire appointment.
  • Following your scan you’ll receive a detailed report with personalized recommendations. Whether you’re focused on improving athletic performance, optimizing body composition, or enhancing overall health, the detailed data from your scan allows us to create customized dietary and physical activity plans that align with your goals. 

How are DEXA scan results used?

By understanding your unique body composition, we can guide you toward sustainable progress with strategies designed specifically for your needs. This personalized approach ensures that every recommendation is both practical and aligned with your long-term goals.

What if I don’t have insurance?

If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible payment options and can discuss financial arrangements to ensure you can access the care you need. Our team is here to help you explore all available solutions.

Why choose a DEXA scan over other modalities including CT and MRI?

Methods such as skinfold calipers and bioelectrical impedance lack the accuracy and reliability of DEXA. Although CT scans and MRIs provide advanced imaging, DEXA offers a safer option with significantly lower radiation exposure, while also being more accessible and cost-effective.

Can a DEXA scan help me improve my health and performance?

Absolutely. By understanding your body composition, you can create more effective nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle plans tailored to your specific needs. Tracking changes over time helps you see the impact of your efforts, adjust your strategies, and achieve your health and performance goals with greater precision.

Can the DEXA scan diagnose me with osteoporosis?

Our DEXA technology can identify if you have low bone density. However, we do not diagnose osteoporosis.We would ask you to see your family physician with the results.

Is DEXA scan safe?

Yes, DEXA is safe, with radiation exposure comparable to that of a short airplane flight. Please note that it is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant due to the use of X-rays.

How often should I get a DEXA scan?

The frequency of DEXA scans depends on your goals. For those actively making lifestyle changes or tracking progress, scans every 6 months can detect meaningful changes in body composition and fat distribution. If you're maintaining your health, annual scans may suffice. Our team can help you decide the ideal schedule based on your needs.

Can the DEXA accommodate all body sizes?

DEXA is suitable for the majority of people, however, it has a height limit of 6’6 and a weight limit of 350 pounds.

Why are strength and power important for longevity?

Research shows that metrics like grip strength and lower-body power are as predictive—or more so—than muscle mass when it comes to healthspan and lifespan. These metrics reflect functional fitness, which is critical for maintaining independence and reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

What specific tests are performed, and why are they important?

  • Force Plate Testing: Measures power, balance, stability, and detects asymmetries in movement.
  • Grip Strength Testing: A proven marker of overall health and longevity. For each 5 kg reduction in grip strength there is a 16% increase in the risk of death at any given time.
  • Movement Ability Testing: Validated tests that measure your ability to move with ease.

How should I prepare for the functional assessment and what should I expect during testing?

To ensure the accuracy of your results, we recommend the following: Dress in comfortable clothing, like you would wear for exercise.

  • Arrive 10 minutes ahead of your appointment so that you have time for light stretching prior to the assessments
  • The appointment will begin with a short intake to discuss health history and goals.
  • During the 15-30 minute assessment you can expect to undergo force plate testing, grip strength testing, and functional movement testing.
  • Following your assessment you’ll receive a detailed report with actionable recommendations to improve performance and address asymmetries. For clients with trainers or coaches this information can be shared easily.

Who conducts the assessments?

Our assessments are led by highly trained professionals who are experts in exercise science and functional performance. They are also certified to perform advanced tests, such as max strength evaluations, ensuring the highest standard of care and precision.

What are asymmetries, and why do they matter?

Asymmetries are imbalances in strength or power between sides of the body. These imbalances are often linked to poor outcomes, such as increased injury risk, inefficient movement patterns, and reduced performance. Identifying and addressing these asymmetries early is crucial for long-term health, function, and success in physical activities.

How often should I get a functional assessment?

Functional assessments can be repeated every 6–12 months to track progress and make adjustments to your fitness or lifestyle plan. If you’re undergoing a targeted training program, more frequent testing may be beneficial to refine your strategies.

Is the functional assessment suitable for someone recovering from an injury?

Yes, our assessments can be tailored to accommodate individuals recovering from injuries. They help identify safe and effective ways to restore strength, balance, and mobility while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

How do I prepare for the lung function test?

  • Continue to take all your non-respiratory medications that have been prescribed by your doctor.
  • If you use inhalers, continue to do so unless your doctor and you feel it is safe to hold off taking them before the testing. Simply notify us if you have taken them.
  • Do not eat a large meal within two hours of the test, and avoid alcohol for at least four hours before your test.
  • Refrain from strenuous exercise within 30 minutes of the test.
  • Ensure your clothing is comfortable and does not restrict your breathing.
  • If you smoke or vape, avoid smoking or vaping for at least 1 hour before the test.

What is lung function testing, and why is it important?

Lung function testing measures how well your lungs work, including airflow and lung volume. It’s essential for understanding respiratory health, fitness capacity, and potential risks for conditions like COPD, asthma, or age-related declines in lung performance.

Can this test diagnose me for a respiratory condition, such as asthma or exercise induced bronchoconstriction?

None of our testing can be used for medical diagnosis. Results from our tests can be brought to medical professionals for further investigation.

Who should consider lung function testing?

Anyone interested in optimizing long-term health and fitness, especially individuals over 40, those with a history of smoking, asthma, or respiratory conditions, or those pursuing high-performance goals.

What do I need to do to prepare for the RMR test?

To ensure your metabolic rate is measured accurately at a true resting level, we recommend the following:

  • Avoid eating for at least 5 hours before the test
  • Refrain from exercising on the day of the test
  • Avoid caffeine and other stimulants for at least 4 hours
  • Avoid alcohol intake for at least 12 hours prior
  • Arrive to the testing facility in a relaxed state

How is the RMR test performed?

The test is simple and non-invasive. While sitting comfortably, you’ll be connected to the RMR device with a mask or mouthpiece. This measures the oxygen you consume and the carbon dioxide you exhale, to generate the data used to calculate your resting metabolic rate.

How long is the RMR test?

While the test itself only takes approximately 20–30 minutes, for the most accurate results, we ask that you arrive 20 minutes beforehand to relax and get comfortable.

Why is it important to periodically measure RMR?

RMR can change over time due to aging, changes to lifestyle and nutrition, the development of a new health condition or changes to a pre-existing condition. Repeat RMR testing ensures better outcomes by giving you the information to implement dynamic strategies that are specific to your individual metabolism. Most people will repeat the test annually. However, you may want to consider repeating your test sooner if there have been significant changes in lifestyle and nutrition, or if you have reached a plateau. Please contact us to discuss your specific testing needs.

What is VO2 Max?

VO2 Max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. It’s a key indicator of your cardiovascular fitness and reflects how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together during physical activity.

Why is VO2 Max important for my healthspan and lifespan?

VO2 Max is one of the most accurate predictors of healthspan and lifespan. Higher VO2 Max levels are strongly associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It also reflects your body’s ability to recover and perform, which are critical to maintaining health as you age.

What makes your Cardiopulmonary Testing unique?

Unlike basic systems that rely solely on oxygen sensors, our state-of-the-art equipment measures both oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output. These advanced diagnostics provide a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of your performance, metabolic efficiency, and energy utilization.

How does the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test work?

The test measures your oxygen consumption as you gradually increase effort on a treadmill or bike. You’ll wear a mask connected to advanced equipment which analyzes oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in real time. The test typically takes 20–30 minutes, and you’ll receive a detailed report immediately afterward.

What should I do to prepare for the cardiopulmonary test?

For the most accurate results, avoid vigorous exercise 12–24 hours before your test and refrain from eating a heavy meal within 2–3 hours of your appointment. Wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic footwear to ensure ease during the test. Stay hydrated and we suggest limiting caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours beforehand for optimal results. If you’ve experienced a respiratory, gastrointestinal, or other illness within the past week, it’s best to postpone testing. Consult the testing center if you have any health concerns.

What happens after the cardiopulmonary test?

Following your VO2 Max test, you’ll receive a comprehensive report with tailored recommendations. Whether the focus is on enhancing athletic performance or supporting overall health, the data from your assessment allows us to design individualized exercise and nutrition strategies that align with your goals. You’ll also receive curated, evidence-based resources to deepen your understanding and help you make informed decisions—ensuring you have reliable, science-backed guidance as you work toward long-term progress.

How often should I retest my VO2 Max?

Retesting every 3–6 months is recommended to monitor progress, especially if you’re working toward specific fitness goals or following a training program. This allows us to adjust your plan based on measurable improvements.

Is the cardiopulmonary test safe?

Yes, the test is safe for most individuals. We’ll review your health history beforehand to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

How hard is the cardiopulmonary test?

The Vo2max test goes until personal tolerance is reached. Our experienced exercise physiologist will push you to your limits in a safe manner ensuring your results are accurate and reflect your true cardiovascular capacity.

Do you offer lactate measurements?

Yes, we offer lactate testing as part of our comprehensive VO2 and lactate analysis. This test provides valuable insights into your metabolic thresholds and performance potential. However, lactate testing is not suitable or necessary for everyone. It is typically most beneficial for athletes or individuals with specific training goals. If you're unsure whether lactate testing is right for you, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our experienced team of scientists and clinicians can help determine if this testing aligns with your needs. For more details, visit our VO2/Lactate Testing page.

What is VO2 Max testing?

VO2 Max testing measures your body’s ability to consume oxygen during exercise, offering insights into your cardiovascular fitness and endurance capacity.

What is lactate threshold analysis?

Lactate threshold analysis measures blood lactate concentration during exercise to identify the intensity at which lactate production exceeds clearance. This metric is critical for assessing endurance performance and prescribing training zones.

What should I expect during VO2 Max Testing and Lactate Threshold Analysis?

To ensure the accuracy of your results, we recommend the following:

  • Avoid exercise 12- 24 hours before the test.
  • Refrain from eating a heavy meal within 2–3 hours prior.
  • Wear comfortable workout clothes and proper athletic footwear.
  • Stay hydrated, but avoid caffeinated beverages for 4 hours.

Prior to testing, we review your fitness level, goals, and health history to determine the appropriate test protocol.

**Do not undergo testing if you've experienced a respiratory, gastrointestinal, or other illness within 1 week prior. Consult the testing center if you have any health concerns.

The test measures your oxygen consumption as you gradually increase effort on a treadmill or bike. You’ll wear a mask connected to advanced equipment, which analyzes oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange as well as other metrics such as heart rate and ventilation in real time. Blood samples are taken at specific intensities to measure lactate concentration.This testing continues until the second lactate threshold or maximal lactate steady state is reached. The test typically takes 30-45 minutes for the combined test, and you’ll receive a detailed report immediately afterward.

What happens after the VO2 Max test?

Following your VO₂ Max with Lactate Threshold Analysis test, you’ll receive a comprehensive report with tailored recommendations. With a focus is on enhancing athletic performance, the data from your assessment allows us to design individualized exercise and nutrition strategies that align with your goals. Some clients prefer to take their results directly to their coaches, while others use our team’s guidance to shape their next steps. In both cases, you’ll also receive curated, evidence-based resources to deepen your understanding and help you make informed decisions—ensuring you have reliable, science-backed guidance as you work toward long-term progress.

Who conducts the VO2 Max tests?

Our tests are performed by certified exercise physiologists with expertise in VO2 Max, lactate threshold analysis, and performance diagnostics.

How often should I retest VO2 Max?

Retesting every 3–6 months is recommended for those actively training or aiming to track progress and refine their training zones. Some athletes may choose to perform this even more frequently.

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