Community Fitness Lab

Personalized Fitness Insights for a Healthier You!

Located in University Hall 4007, the Community Fitness Lab offers health assessment services for individuals looking to enhance their well-being, performance, and overall health. We provide a variety of fitness evaluations and consultations with Exercise Physiologists, who will interpret your test results and offer general guidance and references to help you make informed decisions about your training and wellness journey.

Please note: while we are here to support your goals through personalized assessments and evidence-based insights, we do not prescribe training programs or nutrition plans, nor do we diagnose or treat any medical conditions.

The Community Fitness Lab is committed to promoting health and wellness in the broader community. Our mission is to empower individuals of all ages to lead active lives by delivering a comprehensive range of fitness evaluations tailored to the individual, ultimately enhancing physical fitness and overall well-being.

A student uses the community fitness lab

Contact Us!

Appointment Information

To schedule an appointment, start by selecting the tests that align with your goals. Then, visit our uStore to complete your purchase. Once your payment is processed, we’ll receive your information and contact you within 1-2 business days.

How do I choose the appropriate assessments for myself?
Begin by considering your fitness goals and the outcomes you want to achieve. Take into account your current fitness level, health status, and which assessments best align with your objectives.

How do I prepare for my appointment?
Preparation requirements will vary based on the selected tests and may include limitations on exercise the day prior and on the day of the testing, as well as restrictions on alcohol consumption. Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive an email containing detailed instructions on how to prepare.

When will my results be available?
Typically, your results will be available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of data analysis required. In some cases, certain findings can be discussed immediately following the assessment.

Summer/Fall 2026 Hours
We are open on Wednesdays and Fridays, depending on class and research schedules. We’ll do our best to accommodate your availability. If you need an appointment outside these days, please reach out before purchasing to discuss options.

Events and Group Assessments

For inquiries regarding scheduling and rates for special events, including both on-campus and off-campus activities, please contact us directly. Our team will be pleased to assist you with the details.

Parking

Clients who do not have an active Montclair State University parking permit are advised to park in The Red Hawk Deck. Upon exiting, please proceed from the back of the 5th floor near the soccer field and walk straight ahead to the University Hall Building (4th floor, Lab 4007). Non-MSU community members are eligible for one parking pass per visit.

Services

Bod Pod
A highly sophisticated device that utilizes air displacement plethysmography to measure body composition. It determines the volume of air displaced by the body within a sealed chamber, allowing for the calculation of body density and body fat percentage. This method is recognized for its precision and efficiency, making it a valuable tool in both research and clinical environments.
Estimated test duration: 10 minutes.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (groups of 5 or more only)
BIA measures body composition by sending a (painless) low electrical current through the body and assessing the resistance (impedance) encountered. Since fat tissue is less conductive than lean tissue, it impedes the current more significantly, enabling the estimation of body fat percentage and overall body composition.
Estimated test duration: 5 minutes.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂ MAX)
Involves a graded exercise protocol, wherein exercise intensity gradually increases until the participant reaches exhaustion. The metabolic cart plays a crucial role in this testing by analyzing respiratory gases, specifically measuring oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output. This analysis allows for accurate calculations of oxygen consumption, which is essential for evaluating metabolic rates and overall physiological performance during exercise.
Estimated test duration: 30 minutes (including setup and mask fitting).

The Wingate Test

This is a 30-second, high-intensity cycling test used to measure anaerobic power and capacity. Performed on a stationary bike with a set resistance, it assesses peak power, fatigue rate, and overall anaerobic performance. Estimated test duration: 20-30 minutes (includes setup and recovery).

Functional Movement Screen
Greater stability and mobility (along with proper flexibility) ensure that individuals maintain proper exercise techniques and reach full range of motion to target muscles to fire, strength to improve, and explosiveness to be built. The FMS is used to evaluate fundamental movement patterns and identify potential limitations or asymmetries that could increase the risk of injury or impact performance. It involves a series of seven basic exercises and movements, such as squatting, lunging, and balancing, which are scored based on quality and range of motion.
Estimated test duration: 30- 45 minutes.

Biodex
The postural balance test with the Biodex Balance System evaluates the client’s ability to maintain stability and balance. Using a specialized platform that can tilt and move, the Biodex system assesses balance and stability under various conditions. This test provides valuable insights into balance control and coordination, critical for predicting fall and injury risk.
Estimated test duration: 15 minutes.

These are available for groups of 5 or more. Contact us with more information about your team/group.

Vertec or Just Jump
Assesses explosive strength and power, crucial for athletic performance. In the vertical jump test, the client jumps as high as possible from a standing position, and the height of the jump is measured. This test is commonly used in sports and fitness assessments to gauge the effectiveness of training programs and to identify areas for improvement in strength and power.

40M Dash & 5-10-5 Run Drill
Speed and agility are crucial to athletic performance as both involve moving the body as rapidly as possible (agility also accounts for changing direction). These tests can help spotlight weaknesses and strengths in sport or task performance which can help direct training goals. They can also provide information about the effectiveness of drills or other activities in practice.

Rates

Services include lab space and equipment, testing, interpretation of data, and general consultation.

Explore Services & Buy Now

Once your payment is processed, we will receive your information, and you can expect to be contacted within 1-2 business days.

Bod Pod

  • Faculty / Staff / Community Rate: $60
  • Montclair Student Rate: $45

VO₂ max

  • Faculty / Staff / Community Rate: $85
  • Montclair Student Rate: $60

Wingate

  • Faculty / Staff / Community Rate: $75
  • Montclair Student Rate: $55

FMS

  • Faculty / Staff / Community Rate: $40
  • Montclair Student Rate: $30

Biodex

  • Faculty / Staff / Community Rate: $40
  • Montclair Student Rate: $30

Bod Pod + VO₂ max

  • Faculty / Staff / Community Rate: $130
  • Montclair Student Rate: $95

Meet the Team

Peter Hosick, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor
Department of Kinesiology

Nathalie Pfeifer, MA, Ed.M., ACSM-EP
Community Fitness Lab Manager
Department of Kinesiology

Fatima Kakadendi
Graduate Student, M.S. in Athletic Training
Department of Kinesiology

Andrew Gentile 
Graduate Student, M.S. in Exercise Science
Department of Kinesiology