Our Octagon Health Test focuses on different elements of your health and lifestyle to gauge the risk for cardiovascular disease. These results can better inform your training programme and what you need to improve to stay healthy.
RISK FACTORS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE:
When your blood sugar is too high you are at risk of diabetes.
Any regular smoker or those who have given up in the last six months.
Fatty substance in the blood which can become dangerous if it clogs up your arteries.
Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk.
Body Mass Index calculates the risk of your weight relative to your height thus addressing obesity.
Threat of hypertension as your blood is pumped around the body or on suppressive medication.
Anyone not exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.
Heart disease in paternal side of the family before the age of 55 or maternally before 65.
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR OCTAGON HEALTH SCORE
Three is the magic number. Getting 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week at a moderate intensities the perfect place to start reducing your risk factors.
Being active improves the health of your heart and will help reduce and control blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Doing this alongside a nutritious an balanced diet helping you achieve a healthy weight.
Whether it’s a walk, a gym session, classes or sport, it will require planning and commitment. Put your activity in your diary as an appointment and track your progress until it becomes second nature.
READ OUR TESTIMONIALS
A NOTE FROM OUR HEALTH & FITNESS MANAGER
“It can be scary to hear you are at risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to take it seriously, which is why the gym team are here to help you lower those risks proactively. We may be the first ones to bring this to your attention but it can be positively life changing when addressed through exercise and nutrition. We can work alongside your doctor (who may need to see you too), but together we can help you limit the danger of common threats like heart attacks and strokes to live a full and thriving life. The first stage of progress will always be feeling better so don’t put it off, start today!”
- Vojin Soskic
Book your Octagon Health test with Vojin today!
OUR OCTAGON FITNESS TEST INCLUDES:
Checking the distance your foot can remain flat away from a wall whilst your knee remains in contact. The more flexibility we have at the ankle joint the better our quality of movement will be further up the body.
Assessing the angle in back of the crucial hip joint as a straight leg is elevated during a supine test. We look to optimise the range in the back of the hip and hamstrings for improved performance.
A prone test assessing the tightness at the front of the hip and quads, a key area affecting the mechanics in the body. Aim to get the heel as close to your bum as possible.
Sliding your arms against a wall to analyse the modern curse of tight upper backs and rounded shoulders and how they interact. Keeping everything flat against the wall will be a challenge.
Evaluating the quality of movement combined through multiple joints can highlight any weaknesses or compensation. A deep and controlled squat with arms remaining above the head is the goal.
A unilateral test looking at the mix of control, balance and strength as both sides try and coordinate a surrounding compass. Don’t expect both sides to be identical, it will expose any lower body areas that need development.
Reminiscent of a bleep test for your core as you do a partial curl up followed by leg extensions as you aim to keep your lower back flat. Controlled engagement is key to staying the duration
3 minute Watt Bike test to gauge the endurance limits of your lungs as you measure your VO2 max capacity. Judging the correct pace to optimise the result will be a skill you learn quickly as you pedal to the metal.
TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR OCTAGON FITNESS SCORE
Stretch, strengthen and mobilise are your 3 golden rules for improving your scores. Some people are flexible, but are they strong and are they mobile? We also see a lot of strong people out there who can barely touch their toes.
The key to scoring well in these tests is to create balance around your body. This means stretching your whole body regularly as well as focusing on getting stronger. Are you going to score well on ‘Single Leg Stability’ if you never single leg squat, or single deadlift?
Finally it means working on your mobility, regularly improving your range of motion with no weights involved!
READ OUR TESTIMONIALS
A NOTE FROM OUR HEALTH & FITNESS MANAGER
“Discipline! Use a mirror. All movement must be executed with correct form. Watch yourself in the mirror and as soon as you see yourself losing form, stop! Either re-adjust for the next rep, or if the next rep is poor, stop the set there and then. If you aren’t sure how to correct your form, the gym team are here for you! Book an Octagon Fitness test at Reception to discuss your goals.”
- Vojin Soskic