Testing Service Protocols

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DXA is the Gold Standard of body composition. After your 6-11 minute scan, we review with you a 4-page hard copy report with data about your Body Fat %, Body Fat in Pounds, Lean Tissue in Pounds, Bone Mineral Content, Visceral Fat, Symmetry & more. DXA uses low-dose radiation to detect, quantify, and separate the 3 different types of body composition densities (fat, lean tissue, bone mineral content). You cannot be pregnant or over 350 pounds for this scan.

1. Don’t have an intense, same day workout prior to coming in for your scan* Read on for a definition of Intense.
2. Drink normal amounts of water. 
3. You do NOT need to fast for a DXA scan, but we do recommend no big meals prior to your scan (what you eat becomes part of your body composition). Waiting 1-2 hours post meal is best.
4. Workout or casual clothes with no metal are best for your scan (small zippers and rivets are okay).
5. You will be asked to empty your pockets and remove any significant amounts of metal (watch, belt, glasses, jewelry, etc.).
6. Small buttons or zippers that cannot be removed from clothing are fine.
7. You will also need to remove your shoes.
8. Socks are okay though!

*Important Note: An intense workout is one where you are working at 80% or more of your Maximum Heart Rate for at least 12 minutes in a session. Research shows that this intensity leads to Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Compensation (EPOC) or Afterburn. The exact amount of calories burned due to EPOC varies for each person and is hard to quantify. Research suggests the increased caloric burn ranges from 6% to 15% for up to 48 hours until the body recovers.

For clients over ~250 lbs, we cannot guarantee a left arm or visceral fat reading due to DXA scanner and software limitations. 

The test is 20 minutes of you breathing into a mask while relaxing (without falling asleep) in a chair. You will obtain a 1-page hard copy report with your daily RMR caloric needs, resting heart rate, and a determination of whether your metabolism is considered slow, normal, or fast.

1. FAST: You DO need to fast for at least 5-6 hours (only drink water). Most people fast overnight and get an early morning appointment.
2. NO EXERCISE: Limit your activity beforehand (no intense exercise* aka activities that elevate your heart rate) within 24 hours prior to the test. Afterburn is real. Some people can have an elevated metabolism after a hard/intense workout for up to 48 hours.
3. NO CAFFEINE OR ALCOHOL: Refrain from taking any caffeine or other stimulants or depressants the day of your test. And do not smoke prior to your test.
4. Workout, casual, or even business clothes are all acceptable, as you will just be relaxing in a chair while breathing into a mask.
5. Get a good night’s sleep.
6. Note that eating, exercising, and certain substances can accelerate or slowdown your metabolism. That’s why we ask you to take this test fasted for best results. We are not responsible for improper preparation prior to this test & cannot guarantee accurate results if protocols were not properly followed. 

*Important Note: An intense workout is one where you are working at 80% or more of your Maximum Heart Rate for at least 12 minutes in a session. Research shows that this intensity leads to Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Compensation (EPOC) or Afterburn. The exact amount of calories burned due to EPOC varies for each person and is hard to quantify. Research suggests the increased caloric burn ranges from 6% to 15% for up to 48 hours until the body recovers.

Our VO2 Max test is a treadmill test. Don’t have a big workout within 24 hours of this test, and it is best to arrive fasted (no food prior). But do stay hydrated. You will be on the treadmill for 10-20 minutes, and we discuss the protocol (i.e. walking up a hill or jogging at increasing speed) before we start the test. Please obtain clearance from your doctor prior to this test, especially if you have a heart condition, have joint issues, or take certain medications. You will receive a 1-page hard copy report with your VO2 number, max heart rate, AT VO2 Max with heart rate, and 1 & 2 minute heart rate recovery metrics as well as workout zones.

1. Avoid eating a large meal a few hours before your test.
2. If you signed up for RMR also, please remember to fast a minimum of five hours (for the RMR test).
3. Limit your activity beforehand (no exercise the day you come in for the VO2) – have fresh legs.
4. Refrain from taking any caffeine or stimulants the day of your test.
5. Wear (or bring) workout clothes and athletic shoes.
6. This test is done on a treadmill.

*Important Note: An intense workout is one where you are working at 80% or more of your Maximum Heart Rate for at least 12 minutes in a session. Research shows that this intensity leads to Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Compensation (EPOC) or Afterburn. The exact amount of calories burned due to EPOC varies for each person and is hard to quantify. Research suggests the increased caloric burn ranges from 6% to 15% for up to 48 hours until the body recovers.

·  Styku 3D is DIY scan. We show you how to run the Styku 3D, and then you perform the scan yourself setting up a profile.

·  The scan is 30 seconds followed by profile setup. Allow 15-30 minutes for this scan.

·  The report goes directly to your email inbox, and we do not review it with you. 

·  This scan provides you with a 3D image of your body with measurements from neck to calves. 

·  It is helpful to wear tighter fitting clothing for this scan because the device scans whatever it sees as part of your body.

·   It is also best to put your hair up in order to receive an accurate neck measurement.

·  You will see yourself in 3 dimensions plus receive the equivalent of tape measurements from neck to calves. Styku also provides body composition data based on an algorithm, however, the DXA scan will be more accurate.