Test Protocols

A measurement of the force blood exerts against artery walls, expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (during a heartbeat) over diastolic pressure (between beats).

Blood pressure is one of the clearest early indicators of cardiovascular health. Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, often with no symptoms until it's caused damage — which is exactly why catching it early matters.

A blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer), either automatic or manual with a stethoscope.

The client sits with their arm supported at heart level. The cuff is placed on the upper arm, inflated, then slowly released while the systolic and diastolic values are read (manually via stethoscope, or automatically on a digital display). The result is recorded as systolic/diastolic, in mmHg.

A measurement of total cholesterol and, depending on the device, its components — LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Cholesterol levels are directly tied to cardiovascular disease risk. High LDL and low HDL are both associated with increased risk of heart disease, making this one of the most important markers for understanding long-term cardiovascular health.

A point-of-care cholesterol testing device/analyzer, lancet, cholesterol test strips, and alcohol swabs.

Similar to the glucose test: the fingertip is cleaned and pricked with a lancet, and a blood sample is applied to a test strip inserted into the cholesterol analyzer. After a short wait, the device displays total cholesterol (and often an HDL/LDL/triglyceride breakdown), which is recorded.

A measurement of the concentration of glucose (sugar) circulating in the bloodstream at the time of testing.

Blood glucose is a key marker of metabolic health. Elevated fasting glucose is often one of the earliest signs of insulin resistance, well before a diabetes diagnosis would otherwise be considered — making it a valuable marker to track proactively.

A glucometer, lancet device, glucose test strips, and alcohol swabs.

The fingertip is cleaned with an alcohol swab, then pricked with a lancet to draw a small blood sample. The sample is applied to a test strip inserted into the glucometer, which displays a reading within seconds. The result is recorded in mg/dL.

An assessment of the proportion of fat mass versus lean mass (muscle, bone, and water) that makes up total body weight.

Body weight alone doesn't tell the whole story — two people can weigh the same and have very different health profiles. Body composition gives a clearer picture, since higher body fat percentages are linked to increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, independent of weight.

Skinfold calipers, a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scale/handheld device, or a tape measure for circumference-based estimates.

With calipers, skinfold thickness is pinched and measured at standardized sites (commonly triceps, suprailiac, and thigh) and run through a formula to estimate body fat percentage. With a BIA device, the client stands on (or holds) the device barefoot while a mild electrical current estimates body fat based on resistance. Results are recorded as a body fat percentage.

A bodyweight squat assessment that evaluates lower-body strength, mobility, and overall movement quality.

How someone squats reveals a lot about hip, knee, and ankle mobility, core stability, and movement compensations. Restrictions or breakdowns in the pattern — heel lift, knee cave, excessive forward lean — can point to imbalances worth addressing before loading the movement further.

None required — just enough open floor space to perform the movement safely. A phone camera for recording is optional but recommended.

The client performs a series of bodyweight squats, viewed from the front and side. Depth, knee tracking, heel position, and torso angle are observed and scored against a standard movement checklist.