Evaluate Your Exercise Capacity

The Graded Exercise Test (GXT) is an evaluation of your exercise capacity, and is provided free to all Wellness Clinic participants. This test can cost $250 - $500 when administered in an outside setting. The GXT is valuable because it provides:

  • The BEST measurement of your cardiovascular fitness and functional capacity
  • Information used for counseling and the development of your exercise program
  • Monitoring of your cardiovascular fitness progress
  • Information that may assist in screening for cardiovascular disease

GXTs are always done with ECG (heart) monitoring. With your approval, we will also collect expired gas (using a mouthpiece) during your GXT. This is highly recommended for the most accurate information (adds over $200 in value to the study), and allows determination of your VO2 max. Some people find wearing a mouthpiece uncomfortable for the 10-15 minute testing period. Please let us know if you would not like expired gas information to be collected.

A GXT is performed for all Clinic members every three years to allow us to track your health and fitness, and to best serve you. It is also part of our student training thereby helping us meet the educational mission of the Clinic and Ithaca College.

GXT Test Instructions

If you have questions about your test or cannot make your appointment, please call (607) 274-1301 as soon as possible. We schedule a full staff for your GXT and our students depend on this testing as an important part of their learning experience. If you do not call to cancel your GXT or if you do not show up for your GXT, you will be charged a $25 fee.

GXT Test Instructions: You will be scheduled to complete a maximum effort exercise test; your performance and test accuracy depends upon adherence to these instructions.

  1. Do not perform heavy exercise in the 24 hours preceding your test.

  2. Do not drink alcohol for 12 hrs preceding your test.

  3. Do not use caffeine (e.g., coffee) or nicotine (e.g., cigarettes) for three hours preceding your test.

  4. Do not eat for three hours preceding the test.

  5. Do not eat any food that may cause you discomfort the day of the test.

  6. Avoid over-the-counter medications for the 12 hours preceding your test. (However, cancel appointment if you are ill and treat yourself accordingly; we can reschedule.)

  7. Wear comfortable clothing (shorts and T-shirt recommended) and sneakers.

  8. Males may need to have small sections of chest hair shaved to ensure sufficient contact with electrodes. Disposable safety razors are provided for this purpose.

Thank you for your cooperation.