It is important for you to take the Fit Test under similar circumstances each time. Your heart rate is dependent on many factors, including:
amount of sleep the previous night (at least seven hours is recommended) time of day
time since last meal (two to four hours af ter the last meal is recommended)
time since last beverage containing caffeine or alcohol, or cigarette (at least four hours is recommended) time since last exercise (at least six hours is recommended)
data input that exceeds human potential
For the most accurate Fit Test results, perform the Fit Test on three consecutive days and average the three scores.
NOTE: To receive a proper Fit Test score, the work done must be within a training heart rate zone that is 60 percent to 85 percent of the theoretical maximum heart rate. This rate is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine's "Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription" as equal to 220 minus an individual's age.
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