Muscle FIT

Muscle FIT is a comprehensive assessment of how your muscles perform. It measures four areas of muscular fitness: balance, power, strength, and endurance. Each test is led by an exercise professional, and your results are compared with age- and sex-specific norms so you can see where you stand. The full appointment takes about 2 – 2 1/2 hours, including an explanation of your results and recommendations for improvement.

Balance measures your ability to stay stable and control your body position, both standing still and while moving.

  • In the Single Leg Stance test, you hold a one-legged stance for up to 45 seconds with eyes open and with eyes closed.
  • In the lower body Y-Balance test, you balance on one leg and reach the other leg in three directions as far as you can.
  • The upper body Y-Balance test is done from a push-up position, reaching with one arm in three directions.
  • Your reach distances are adjusted for your limb length, so you can compare your right and left sides.

Muscular power measures how quickly your muscles can produce force.

  • The Countermovement Vertical Jump measures explosive leg power.
  • The 30-Second Sit-to-Stand test counts how many times you can stand up from a chair, which reflects lower body power and everyday function.

Muscular strength measures how much force your muscles can produce.

  • Grip strength is measured with a Jamar Smart Hand Dynamometer, a digital handgrip device. You squeeze as hard as you can with each hand. Grip strength is a simple, well-researched marker of overall strength and healthy aging.
  • Upper body strength is tested on the bench press and lower body strength on the leg press.
  • For the bench press and leg press, you start at a light weight and progress through sets of 10 repetitions. From these sets, your 1-repetition maximum (1RM) is estimated without you having to lift a maximal load.
  • Your strength is reported relative to your body weight, and your grip strength is compared between your right and left hands.

Muscular endurance measures how long your muscles can work or hold a position before fatiguing.

  • The plank tests your core.
  • The push-up test measures how many push-ups you can complete with proper form.
  • The dead hang measures how long you can hang from a bar, which tests grip and shoulder endurance.
  • The wall sit tests your lower body.

Muscle FIT is excellent for tracking change. For example, after a strength training program you can see your improvements in strength, power, endurance, and balance, including differences between your right and left sides. Pair it with Body Comp FIT to see how changes in lean mass relate to changes in muscle performance.

Need a place to start for your fitness journey? Check out our Get FIT program HERE

Who Should Participate

Muscle FIT is available to clients 18 years and older. If you have a history of any of the following, please consult a healthcare professional before scheduling:

  • pain or injury in the shoulder, wrist, lower back, hip, knee, or ankle
  • any condition that limits your ability to exercise at high effort

Clients with a history of lower back pain or injury will not complete the strength tests. You may feel mild fatigue during testing and muscle soreness for 24–48 hours afterward.

Scheduling & Pricing

To schedule an appointment, please call us at 512-471-0081, text us at 512-703-0780, or email us at fit@austin.utexas.edu.

Pricing

  • $200
  • Pay on-site with credit card, check or cash.

Proceeds used in general support of the College of Education.

Appointment Preparation

The Muscle FIT testing, results, and consultation take about 2 – 2 1/2 hours.

In preparation for your appointment:

  • Do not exercise vigorously for 24–48 hours before testing.
  • Eat a light meal or snack 2–3 hours before testing, and come well hydrated.
  • Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows full range of motion.
  • Wear athletic shoes. Some balance tests are performed barefoot.
  • If you lift regularly, know your approximate maximum for bench press and leg press. This helps us choose your starting weight.

Location & Parking

Testing takes place in Bellmont Hall Room 966, located at Darrell K Royal Stadium. Parking is available. You will receive a Visitor’s Parking Permit from the FIT staff when you arrive for testing. Refer to Location & Parking for further information.