The Harvard Step test is used to measure cardiovascular fitness. It’s a simple test that requires no expensive equipment.
You will need:
- A step approximately 18 inches (45cm) high.
- A stop watch.
Instructions
- Step on to the step or bench every two seconds for 5 minutes (total of 150 steps).
- Take your pulse exactly 1 minute after finishing (take it over 15 seconds and multiply by 4). This is Pulse 1.
- Take your pulse exactly 2 minutes after finishing (take it over 15 seconds and multiply by 4). This is Pulse 2.
- Take your pulse exactly 3 minutes after finishing (take it over 15 seconds and multiply by 4). This is Pulse 3.
- Enter the numbers into the calculator below.
Jacky has a degree in Sports Science and is a Certified Sports and Conditioning Coach. He has also worked with clients around the world as a personal trainer.
He has been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of people from very different ends of the fitness spectrum. Through promoting positive health changes with diet and exercise, he has helped patients recover from aging-related and other otherwise debilitating diseases.
He spends most of his time these days writing fitness-related content of some form or another. He still likes to work with people on a one-to-one basis – he just doesn’t get up at 5am to see clients anymore.