Comprehensive Fitness Assessment | Sports Medicine | UC Davis Health

Foundation Fitness Assessment

An accessible, entry-level evaluation designed to establish your baseline fitness, guide safe training, and support long-term health goals.

Why Choose the Foundation Fitness Assessment?

The Foundation Fitness Assessment provides essential insights into your body composition, metabolism, and movement patterns. It’s the perfect way to begin—or restart—your fitness journey with expert direction.

  • Establish Your Baseline – Learn where you stand today in body composition, calorie needs, and exercise response.
  • Set Smart Goals – Use objective data to guide training and lifestyle changes.
  • Train Safely – Identify movement limitations and energy demands before progressing to more advanced programs.

This package is ideal if you’re new to fitness testing or want to restart your health and wellness journey. For more intensive testing packages, consider our Healthspan Assessment or High Performance Assessment.


What’s Included

  • DXA Body Composition Scan – Gold-standard measurement of body fat, lean mass, bone density, and visceral fat.
  • Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Test – Determines daily calorie needs and fuel usage at rest to support weight management and energy balance.
  • Functional Movement Screen (FMS) – Identifies limitations and asymmetries in fundamental movement patterns to help prevent injury.
  • Exercise Metabolism Test – Submaximal treadmill or bike test to evaluate heart rate, oxygen consumption, calorie expenditure, and fat vs. carbohydrate use.
  • Results Review & Recommendations – One-on-one consultation to explain findings and outline actionable next steps for fitness and wellness.

Optional Nutrition Upgrade: Add a Registered Dietitian consultation with a full dietary analysis and individualized recommendations.


Pricing

$350, $450 with Sports Dietitian upgrade

Add Running Gait Analysis or Bike Fit for $125 ($175 for triathlon/time trial bikes)


Who Is This For?

  • Adults beginning a new exercise program
  • Anyone restarting their fitness journey after time away
  • Individuals looking for safe, structured guidance
  • People wanting objective data to support weight management, nutrition, or health goals

Why It Matters

Establishing a foundation with medical-grade testing helps you:

  • Build confidence with clear, objective baseline data
  • Align nutrition and exercise with your body’s needs
  • Prevent injury by addressing mobility or stability issues
  • Lay the groundwork for long-term progress and health

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Call 916-734-6805 to book your assessment now


FAQs

How long does the assessment take? About 2.5 hours including testing and consultation.

Is the DXA scan diagnostic? No. It is for wellness purposes only, not intended for diagnostic use.

Do I need to prepare for testing? Yes. Arrive fasted for the RMR and exercise metabolism tests and avoid strenuous exercise the day before. Detailed instructions will be emailed prior to your appointment.

Is this covered by insurance? No. The assessment is self-pay only, but may be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

How often should I repeat the assessment? Most clients repeat every 6–12 months to track progress and update recommendations.


Comparison to Other Packages

Assessment Best For Includes
Foundation Fitness Starting or restarting your fitness journey DXA, Resting Metabolic, Functional Movement, Exercise Metabolism
Healthspan General fitness and longevity/healthspan DXA, Functional Movement, General Strength, VO2max
High Performance Athletic goals DXA, Functional Movement, Athletic Foundation, VO2max

Don’t wait to get started — establish your foundation now. With the right insights and expert support, you’ll set yourself up for success in fitness, health, and beyond.

Disclaimer
The UC Davis Sports Performance and Wellness assessments are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results should not replace professional medical care. Individuals should consult their physician before making changes to diet, exercise, or health routines. Participation is voluntary, and UC Davis Health is not responsible for injuries or conditions arising from the use or interpretation of results or recommendations.