Abstract
When given multiple tools to assess health, people tend to choose the one that is most familiar, fastest, or easiest to interpret. Relying solely on weight can overshadow other important indicators of health, such as body composition, cardiovascular function, and muscular development. Understanding this preference, even when other tools are available, matters for both educators and fitness professionals. This study used naturalistic observation to assess gym-goers' usage of health and anthropometric assessment tools. Results indicated that while gym-goers initially showed interest in less commonly used assessment tools, they overwhelmingly used the scale. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Faculty Advisor
Jessica Phelan, Brooke Mann
Department/Program
Health and Human Performance
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
3-29-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Raacke, Brooklynn; Schlaefli, Ryssa; Ashley, Caleb; Premer, Makenzie; Mann, Brooke; and Phelan, Jessica
(2026)
"Fit Check: Making Health Assessments Work for You,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 25.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/25
Included in
Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Kinesiology Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons
