Red Mountain, The Adventure Spa
State-of-the-art fitness screening programs are now being utilized sophisticated laboratory equipment to assess the metabolic profile, fitness level and caloric needs of individuals. Specifically, the METAbeat Cardio-Metabolic Assessment, is an evaluation tool used by major professional sports teams, at the Olympic Training facility and a handful of spas across the U.S.

The programs resulting from these assessments are scientifically tailored for each person to help them understand their fitness levels and needs. In the METAbeat assessment, the guest is fitted with a heart monitor,
mouthpiece and tube in which to breathe, all of which is connected to a computer. As the guest walks on a treadmill, the computer analyzes the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases. As the treadmill speed and level of difficulty is increased, the computer continues to measure the amount of air inhaled and the quantity of different gases in each breath at different heart rate levels. The result is an individualized meta-bolic profile that reveals the amounts of fat and calories burned during each level of exercise.

Most people are accustomed to the old ‘no pain, no gain' attitude of exercising. They are most likely exercising at heart rates that are higher than their most efficient fat-burning zones. The METAbeat system takes the guesswork out of how hard one should be exercising for the best effects.

The Resting Energy Expenditure Analysis (REEA) is another tool of significant value. A REEA is executed when the guest is first awakened and before starting the day. It measures precisely a guest's basal metabolism rate and caloric needs.

Comprehensive neuromuscular and orthopedic evaluation programs, which identify specific muscles or muscle groups that may be deficient in strength or in normal range of motion, can also be of considerable use. They decipher range of motion and flexibility of over 20 joints and regions of their body and the bilateral strength of over 30 muscle and muscle groups. Guidance for correction of these problems and increasing levels of mobility can then be given with scientific accuracy.

Through professional administration of these tests and the accompanying guidance, those who are interested in achieving the ultimate in fitness and health can be carefully guided to reach their goals.