Deciding to start a health and fitness journey can feel a little overwhelming - but it doesn’t have to! One of the best ways to ensure you remain motivated and stay on track is by setting realistic goals that are right for you and your individual wants and needs. That means before you jump into a new exercise routine or decide to follow a specific diet, it’s important to assess where your health currently is to get an idea of what steps you can take toward getting to where you want to be.
These are just four health tests and check-ups that every woman should consider before starting a health journey.
General fitness assessment
While you probably already have an idea of your fitness levels, knowing specifics can help you to set realistic goals to keep your motivation high throughout your journey. A reliable way to do this is with a fitness assessment which will evaluate your general health and fitness through a series of different tests.
If you are joining a new gym, it’s likely that this assessment will be carried out before you start your program. However, you can also schedule one in your local sports clinic. The tests are usually pretty personalized though it’s likely that they will include checking your weight and height and answering questions about your personal goals. Before starting a new training regime, it’s also a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider for a routine check-up.
Female hormone
Our hormones are the chemical messengers in our bodies that are responsible for many important functions, including metabolism, hunger, and energy levels - all of which can interrupt and impact your health journey. Hence, if you have a hormone imbalance, it’s important to know. Stress, inadequate nutrition and even getting older can all cause low, high, or generally unbalanced hormones. There are also some medical conditions that directly impact hormone levels in women such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
If you want to know more about your hormones and get an indication of your levels before you set health goals, check in with LetsGetChecked’s Female Hormone range. If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS such as irregular periods, weight gain, or excess facial or body hair, test for hormones associated with PCOS with our PCOS test.
Vitamin/Mineral
We know the importance of following a balanced diet is something that you are likely more than familiar with! Still, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of getting just the right amount of nutrients through your diet to support your immune system and keep your energy levels balanced - each of which can benefit your health and fitness journey. That’s why, before you set any goals, it’s important to get an idea of whether or not you are fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to help empower your next steps.
Get insights into your current nutrition levels and identify potential areas for improvement by testing with LetsGetChecked’s Vitamin and Mineral range. Identify deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals so you can feel your best!
Thyroid
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are the hormones associated with the thyroid - the small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The primary function of these hormones is to regulate your metabolism. When too much or too little thyroid hormones are produced, it can impact your weight, energy levels, or even your general mood. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid disease, and this may be more likely to occur after pregnancy or menopause.
Fatigue, weight changes, dry skin, and shifts in mood are all potential symptoms of a thyroid disorder. If you want to know more about your thyroid health before starting your health journey, check in with LetsGetChecked’s Thyroid testing range and get the answers you deserve.
