FSHP Academy
Assessment & Screening — all lessons

Screening

Preparticipation health screening

Resting and Body Composition Measures

Resting assessments and anthropometric measurements

Fitness Testing

Cardiorespiratory assessmentsMuscular strength, endurance and power assessmentsAthlete assessment and evaluation

Movement and Postural Assessment

Postural and functional assessment (Prehab assessment tool)Limits of movement screens and postural assessment

Resting assessments and anthropometric measurements

Resting heart rate and blood pressure, height, body mass, BMI, waist measures and body-composition methods — how to measure them well and interpret them honestly.

Beginner Evidence: Strong evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Measure resting heart rate and blood pressure using standardised technique
  • Classify blood pressure using current categories and know when to refer
  • Measure height, mass, waist and calculate BMI and waist-to-height ratio
  • Compare body-composition methods and their errors

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Resting measures provide a baseline, flag people who need referral, and track progress. Their value depends entirely on measuring consistently and interpreting within their limits.

Resting heart rate

Measure after ≥5 minutes of seated or lying rest (ideally on waking), for 30–60 s by palpation or a reliable monitor. Track averages over several days.

Blood pressure

Technique [whelton2018]: seated with back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed, arm supported at heart level, correct cuff size, ≥5 minutes rest, no caffeine/exercise/smoking for 30 minutes, no talking. Take ≥2 readings 1–2 minutes apart and average.

Category (AHA/ACC 2017)SystolicDiastolic
Normal<120and<80
Elevated120–129and<80
Stage 1 hypertension130–139or80–89
Stage 2 hypertension≥140or≥90

Other countries’ guidelines (e.g., European, Indian) use different thresholds — follow local guidance for referral.

Anthropometrics

  • Height (stadiometer, shoes off) and body mass (same scale, same time of day, minimal clothing).
  • BMI = mass ÷ height² (kg/m²). WHO categories: <18.5 underweight, 18.5–24.9 normal, 25–29.9 overweight, ≥30 obesity. A WHO expert consultation identified lower public-health action points (23 and 27.5) for many Asian populations [who2004].
  • Waist circumference — measured at a standardised site (e.g., midpoint between lowest rib and iliac crest) at end of normal expiration.
  • Waist-to-height ratio — ≥0.5 indicates increased cardiometabolic risk; it outperformed BMI and waist alone in a meta-analysis [ashwell2012]. Try the BMI & WHtR calculator.

Body composition methods

MethodNotes
DXAClinical/research reference; regional data; cost, low radiation
SkinfoldsCheap; skill-dependent; equations (e.g., Jackson–Pollock) are population-specific [jackson1978]
BIAQuick; strongly affected by hydration, food, exercise, skin temperature
CircumferencesSimple and reliable for tracking change

All field methods have individual errors of several percentage points of body fat. Track trends with the same method, technician and conditions.

Practical application

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A 40-year-old client’s first BP reading is 148/92 mmHg after rushing to the gym. After 5 minutes’ rest with correct technique, readings average 136/86. The trainer explains this is in the stage 1 range, recommends a GP visit for diagnosis, and begins light–moderate aerobic and resistance exercise in the meantime as per screening guidance.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Practical demo needs verification — opens a YouTube search

How to measure blood pressure correctly

American Heart Association

You will understand: standardised BP measurement technique

Why: From the guideline-issuing organisation.
Practical demo needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Skinfold measurement technique

exercise science labs (search)

You will understand: site location and pinch technique

Why: Technique drives accuracy.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. According to AHA/ACC 2017, a reading of 134/84 mmHg is…

Answer C. Systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89 = stage 1.

2. Which factor will falsely raise a blood pressure reading?

Answer B. Undersized cuffs overestimate BP; talking, crossed legs and unsupported arm also raise readings.

3. Waist-to-height ratio of 0.5 or more indicates…

Answer B. A simple boundary (“keep your waist to less than half your height”) supported by meta-analysis.

4. Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) readings are particularly affected by…

Answer A. BIA depends on body water; standardise timing, hydration and exercise.

5. Why do many Asian guidelines use a lower BMI threshold for overweight?

Answer A. The WHO expert consultation (2004) noted higher risk at lower BMI in many Asian populations.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Write a step-by-step protocol for measuring resting blood pressure.
  2. Explain to a muscular rugby player why his BMI classifies him as “obese”.
  3. Which body-composition method would you choose for monthly tracking in a gym, and how would you standardise it?

Key takeaways

  • Standardised conditions (rest, posture, cuff size, timing) are essential for useful resting measures.
  • AHA/ACC 2017 categories — normal <120/<80; elevated 120–129/<80; stage 1 130–139 or 80–89; stage 2 ≥140 or ≥90 mmHg.
  • BMI is a population screening tool; waist-to-height ratio adds information about central fat.
  • All field body-composition methods have meaningful error; track trends with the same method.

Connected topics

physiology

Stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output

metabolic health

Hypertension training guidelines

metabolic health

Obesity training guidelines

lifestyle nutrition

Calorie balance and metabolism

This is the canonical lesson for: Personal Training (ACE-aligned) → Assessments, Programming and Progressions

References

  1. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. Hypertension, 71(6):e13–e115. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065 Guideline check pending
  2. WHO Expert Consultation (2004). Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies. The Lancet, 363(9403):157–163. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)15268-3 Guideline check pending
  3. Ashwell M, Gunn P, Gibson S (2012). Waist-to-height ratio is a better screening tool than waist circumference and BMI for adult cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 13(3):275–286. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00952.x Meta-analysis check pending
  4. Jackson AS, Pollock ML (1978). Generalized equations for predicting body density of men. British Journal of Nutrition, 40(3):497–504. Classic study check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.