SamFit Community Testing, a program of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s School of Health Professions, is a health, fitness and performance assessment service located in Birmingham and open to faculty, students and the broader community.
What Is SamFit?
SamFit Community Testing, part of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s School of Health Professions, offers comprehensive fitness and performance
assessments for anyone seeking to understand their health. Open to faculty, students and the community, SamFit uses state-of-the-art
equipment and the latest exercise testing research to help clients improve wellness, athletic performance and overall health.
Our services include comprehensive fitness and performance assessments for all ages, skill levels and physical abilities, health, longevity and
athletic performance. Whether your goal is to improve your quality of life or enhance your exercise and sport performance, SamFit provides
personalized testing to help you succeed.
The program also gives students hands-on experience, applying classroom knowledge in real-world health and fitness settings.
Fitness and Performance Assessments
SamFit Community Testing offers evidence-based assessments for individuals of all ages and abilities. From body composition and metabolic testing to cardiorespiratory, strength, and power benchmarking, these services provide accurate data to guide training and nutrition practices. Whether you are an athlete, fitness enthusiast or focused on general health, our assessments help you improve performance, enhance overall health and achieve your personal wellness goals.
Body Composition and Metabolic Testing
Our weight management assessments provide accurate insight into body composition and metabolism. These tests can measure body fat, lean mass, bone density and caloric needs at rest, helping you create informed plans for wellness, performance or nutrition goals.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Cardiorespiratory fitness assessments evaluate how efficiently your body uses oxygen and fuel during endurance exercise. These tests measure aerobic capacity, exercise thresholds, and fuel utilization, which offers valuable insights to anyone looking to improve their health and endurance performance.
Strength and Power Assessments
Strength and power assessments evaluate how much force and power you are capable of producing which relates to performance, activities of daily living, and longevity. Additionally, resistance training technique evaluations are provided to improve the safety and efficacy of weightlifting activities.
Bod Pod
Quick, 3-minute, air displacement test for total body fat and fat-free mass. Cost: $75 (Samford rate: $65)
DXA Scan
Our most comprehensive body composition assessment consisting of a 10–15 minute scan measuring body fat, lean mass and bone density. Cost: $100 (Samford rate: $75)
DXA Site-Specific Bone Density Scan
The gold standard in bone mineral density testing. This consists of quick scans of your lumbar spine and femurs to determine standardized scores compared to a young adult. Cost: $100 (Samford rate: $75)
Skin Fold Test
A simple caliper method for estimating body fat percentage. Cost: $20 (Samford rate: $10)
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
30-minute test measuring calories burned at rest, helpful for nutrition and performance planning. Cost: $75 (Samford rate: $60)
VO₂ Max Test
Gold Standard test for cardiorespiratory fitness, measuring oxygen delivery and use during exercise. Performed on a treadmill or bike, lasting 8–15 minutes. Cost: $100 (Samford rate: $75)
Lactate Threshold Test
A test that examines individualized exercise metabolism during continuous exercise to establish training zones and fuel utilization. Performed on a treadmill or bike with finger-prick blood samples to plot lactate responses to exercise. Cost: $150 (Samford rate: $125)
Submaximal Test
Estimates VO₂ max through treadmill or bike exercise while monitoring heart rate. Designed for individuals who are inactive or beginning a fitness program. Cost: $75 (Samford rate: $50)
Grip Strength Test
Using a handgrip dynamometer this assessment provides strength metrics that have high correlations with many health and performance outcomes. Cost: $50
Total-body Isometric Strength Test
Isometric Mid-though Pull Up (IMPT) - Using force plates, this 5-second total body strength assessment can determine peak force production and rate of force development. Cost: $50
Countermovement Vertical Jump Test (CMJ)
Using force plates, this 5-second total body strength assessment can determine peak force production and rate of force development. Cost: $50
Wingate Anaerobic Test
The Wingate provides information on an athlete’s anaerobic performance. The protocol consists of maximal effort cycling for 30-seconds at a high resistance. Mean and peak anaerobic power and fatigue index are assessed during the test. Cost: $50
Resistance Training Technique Evaluation
Receive personalized exercise technique coaching from our team consisting of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS). Cost: $50
Meet the Team
SamFit is staffed by faculty and students from Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s School of Health Professions who are committed to advancing health, fitness and performance. Under faculty supervision, students gain hands-on experience by conducting assessments, interpreting results and working directly with clients to support their goals.
SamFit team members have the opportunity to be promoted throughout the SamFit program. Promotions are earned based on experience and demonstrated proficiency with various fitness assessments. Team members enter the program at the level of Apprentice and can be promoted to Assistant, Associate, and Lead Associate.