Personalized Fitness Insights for a Healthier You!
Located in University Hall 4005/4007, the Community Fitness Lab offers health assessment services to those looking to improve their well-being, performance, and overall health. The Lab offers testing, evaluations, and consultations with an Exercise Physiologist who will interpret test results and offer advice on how to use findings to design a training regimen that will be as effective as possible.
The Community Fitness Lab is committed to promoting health and wellness to the community at large. Our mission is to empower individuals of all ages to lead active lives by delivering a comprehensive range of fitness evaluations tailored to the individual, ultimately enhancing physical fitness and overall well-being.
Program Info
Appointment Information
To schedule an appointment, start by selecting the tests that align with your goals. Then, visit our uStore to complete your purchase. Once your payment is processed, we’ll receive your information and contact you within 1-2 business days.
The selection of assessments is largely dependent on your individual fitness goals. We recommend that you consider what specific outcomes you wish to achieve. If you would like personalized guidance, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to discuss your goals and recommend the most suitable assessments for you.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Preparation requirements will vary based on the selected tests and may include limitations on exercise the day prior and on the day of the testing, as well as restrictions on alcohol consumption. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive an email containing detailed instructions on how to prepare.
When will my results be available?
Typically, your results will be available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of data analysis required. In some cases, certain findings can be discussed immediately following the assessment.
Hours of Operation
Our operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, subject to our class and research schedule. We will make every effort to accommodate your availability. Should you require an appointment outside of our standard business hours, please contact us to discuss your needs.
Events and Group Assessments
For inquiries regarding scheduling and rates for special events, including both on-campus and off-campus activities, please contact us directly. Our team will be pleased to assist you with the details.
Parking
Clients who do not have an active Montclair State University parking permit are advised to park in The Red Hawk Deck. Upon exiting, please proceed from the back of the 5th floor near the soccer field and walk straight ahead to the University Hall Building (4th floor, Lab 4007). You will receive a parking pass with any purchase of $50 or more in tests.
Services
Bod Pod
A highly sophisticated device that utilizes air displacement plethysmography to measure body composition. It determines the volume of air displaced by the body within a sealed chamber, allowing for the calculation of body density and body fat percentage. This method is recognized for its precision and efficiency, making it a valuable tool in both research and clinical environments.
Estimated test duration: 10 minutes.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
BIA measures body composition by sending a (painless) low electrical current through the body and assessing the resistance (impedance) encountered. Since fat tissue is less conductive than lean tissue, it impedes the current more significantly, enabling the estimation of body fat percentage and overall body composition.
Estimated test duration: 5 minutes.
Skinfold Calipers
Measure the thickness of skinfolds at various body sites, providing an estimate of body fat percentage. By pinching and measuring skinfold thickness at multiple locations, such as the triceps, abdomen, and thigh, estimations of body fat can be derived using established formulas.
Estimated test duration: 10-15 minutes.
Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂ MAX)
Involves a graded exercise protocol, wherein exercise intensity gradually increases until the participant reaches exhaustion. The metabolic cart plays a crucial role in this testing by analyzing respiratory gases, specifically measuring oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output. This analysis allows for accurate calculations of oxygen consumption, which is essential for evaluating metabolic rates and overall physiological performance during exercise.
Estimated test duration: 30 minutes (including setup and mask fitting).
Handheld Dynamometry
Measures muscle strength by assessing the maximum force exerted. During the test, a handheld device is used to apply resistance while the individual exerts force against it. The dynamometer provides objective data on muscle strength, helping to identify muscle weaknesses or imbalances.
Estimated test duration: 5 minutes.
Vertec or Just Jump
Assesses explosive strength and power, crucial for athletic performance. In the vertical jump test, the client jumps as high as possible from a standing position, and the height of the jump is measured. This test is commonly used in sports and fitness assessments to gauge the effectiveness of training programs and to identify areas for improvement in strength and power.
Estimated test duration: 5-10 minutes.
Functional Movement Screen
Greater stability and mobility (along with proper flexibility) ensure that individuals maintain proper exercise techniques and reach full range of motion to target muscles to fire, strength to improve, and explosiveness to be built. The FMS is used to evaluate fundamental movement patterns and identify potential limitations or asymmetries that could increase the risk of injury or impact performance. It involves a series of seven basic exercises and movements, such as squatting, lunging, and balancing, which are scored based on quality and range of motion.
Estimated test duration: 20-30 minutes.
Biodex
The postural balance test with the Biodex Balance System evaluates the client’s ability to maintain stability and balance. Using a specialized platform that can tilt and move, the Biodex system assesses balance and stability under various conditions. This test provides valuable insights into balance control and coordination, critical for predicting fall and injury risk.
Estimated test duration: 20-30 minutes.
These are available for groups of 4 or more. Contact us with more information about your team/group.
40M Dash & 5-10-5 Run Drill
Speed and agility are crucial to athletic performance as both involve moving the body as rapidly as possible (agility also accounts for changing direction). These tests can help spotlight weaknesses and strengths in sport or task performance which can help direct training goals. They can also provide information about the effectiveness of drills or other activities in practice.
Rates
Services include lab space and equipment, testing, interpretation of data, and general consultation.
Individual Assessments
| Assessment | Faculty / Staff / Community Rate | Montclair Student Rate |
| Bod Pod | $50 | $30 |
| BIA | $20 | $12 |
| Skinfold Calipers | $20 | $12 |
| VO₂ max | $75 | $45 |
| FMS | $30 | $18 |
| Biodex | $30 | $18 |
Packages
| Assessment | Faculty / Staff / Community Rate | Montclair Student Rate |
| Bod Pod + VO₂ max | $110 | $65 |
| BIA + Dynamometry + Vertec | $40 | $25 |
Once your payment is processed, we will receive your information, and you can expect to be contacted within 1-2 business days.
Meet the Team
Susana Juniu, Ed.D.
Chair and Professor
Department of Kinesiology
Nathalie Pfeifer, MA, Ed.M.
Community Fitness Lab Manager
Department of Kinesiology
Jillian Berge
Graduate Assistant
Department of Kinesiology
Tamar Schwarzer
Graduate Assistant
Department of Kinesiology
- Phone:
- 973-370-0710
- Email:
- fitnesslab@montclair.edu