Test Prep - DexaFit Tampa, FL
How To Prepare For Your Upcoming Visit
Body Composition Scan (DEXA)
For best scan results, we ask that you please FAST for 2 hours prior to your Dexa Scan.
Avoid heavy lifts or other vigorous activity on the day of your scan and stay well-hydrated.
Wear thin loose clothing or athletic attire (sport bras, gym shorts) without any metal buttons, snaps, zippers or bra clasps. Also refrain from any clothing or undergarments that contain metallic imprinting inks or threads. Lastly, please wear socks.
You’ll be asked to empty your pockets and remove metal items like watches, belts, glasses, and jewelry.
Avoid taking any calcium supplements in the 24 hours prior to the scan. This includes multivitamins as well as antacids such as TUMS®.
No gastrointestinal contrast, barium or other contrast mediums and radionuclides within 48 hours of your appointment.
During the scan you will relax on an open-air DEXA scan table. The process is quick and uses minimal radiation, equivalent to about four bananas worth of exposure, or a few hours of natural background radiation. The Dexa scan is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure designed for your comfort and convenience, providing valuable insights into your body composition.
Cardio Fitness Assessment (VO2)
Avoid heavy meals 2-3 hours prior to testing. Light snacks prior to testing does not affect test results. If testing in the afternoon, it is recommended to have a normal breakfast and mid-morning snack and lunch 3 hours prior to testing.
Avoid exercise or any other vigorous activity for at least 12 hours prior to testing. Avoid introducing new exercises before the test to limit soreness. If testing in the afternoon, light training sessions prior to testing will not affect test results.
Get adequate sleep the night before. Recommended 7-8 hours of quality sleep.
Refrain from caffeine, tobacco or taking any supplements or stimulants (other than prescribed medications) on the day of your test.
Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours prior to testing. Stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water 3-4 days prior to test.
Wear workout clothes and athletic shoes (the test is done on a treadmill or bike).
During a VO2 Max test, you'll perform a graded exercise test on a treadmill or bike, starting at low intensity and gradually increasing to your maximum effort. You'll be fitted with a mask that measures your oxygen consumption and CO2 output, providing data on your aerobic capacity. The test is designed to safely determine your fitness level under careful monitoring.
Your VO2 Max is is a reflection of your aerobic power and efficiency, and your body’s ability to keep performing under strenuous activity for longer periods of time. Calculating your VO2 Max is important for both athletes and non-athletes. Ultimately, knowing the maximum amount of oxygen you can take in is an important part of cardiorespiratory fitness and directly related to longevity.
Resting Metabolism Assessment (RMR)
You must FAST for at least 5 hours prior to the test; no food or beverages other than water. Note: It is important that you stay well hydrated with room temp. water prior to your test.
Avoid exercise, stressful situations and vigorous activity for at least 12 hours prior to testing.
Get adequate sleep the night before (test is ideally performed in the morning)
Refrain from caffeine, tobacco or taking any supplements or stimulants (other than prescribed medications) on the day of your test.
Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours prior to testing.
Wear comfortable clothing. Note: casual and even business attire are also acceptable for this test as you will just be relaxing in a chair.
Your RMR accounts for about 70% of your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). Knowing it is essential for accurately gauging your daily calorie needs. This information is critical whether you're aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain your current state. It's the foundational number on which your nutrition and fitness plans should be built.