The Importance of Testing

The other day I was having a conversation with one of my athletes.  They were stressing out because I was getting ready to have a week of testing at the beginning of the semester in order to get some baseline measurements before we start our training. 

She was telling me that she was not ready for testing. 

My initial thought was, "Is there an injury that I do not know about?"  No, not at all...she simply felt that she would not be able to "ace" her tests.
WOOOO....what??

When did I say that I expect everyone to PR on their tests?  I didn't.  What I did tell them is that I want to see where we are so I can make the necessary adjustments to the training program to ensure the best results.

How else can we measure improvement if we do not have something to compare a post test to?  Hence, the concept of a pre test.

I think that it is important for people to understand that "testing" or for that matter "measuring" is such an important component to training.  It is necessary for us to be able to gather this information to use in a comparative way to make sure that we are on the path towards success.  And by the end of the training program, I hope to see that they are able to "ace" their tests.