FAQs

General Questions

  • DexaFit is the industry’s first evidence-based fitness and wellness platforms that takes the guesswork out of health. We leverage medical-grade diagnostic technologies, data-driven insights and leading-edge digital health tools to customize, guide and engage individuals in their personal health journeys.

  • Everyone! From athletes to health professionals to individuals looking to improve their overall health, we offer testing and solutions for everyone.

  • DexaFit is a great accountability partner. We help you measure where you are so you can systematically move toward your goals. Your fitness journey is personal, so DexaFit gives you customized information so you have a clear target.

  • We have several tests from you to choose from, you can always have multiple tests done for a comprehensive health analysis. These include:

    • DEXA Body Composition Scan

    • VO2 Max Testing

    • Resting Metabolic Rate Analysis

  • BMI is a calculation of your body weight based on height and weight, but does not necessarily represent your muscle-to-fat ratio. It often misclassifies individuals as obese when in fact they're in great shape. Our testing will measure the amount of lean muscle and fat you have in each part of your body. This is a much better indicator of overall fitness and health. It also reveals imbalances that could lead to injury.

  • We recommend customers share their data with professionals who can help them develop and execute health plans. We also link them with specific partners and research depending on their goals.

  • Your results are available immediately.

  • A big part of what we do is help you hold yourself accountable. We suggest you retest every two to three months after your first visit. This way you’ll stay motivated to improve on your numbers and trust your plan is working. We’ll help you determine how often you should return based on your results.

  • You’ll need to visit one of our locations to use our technology. If there’s not one near you, we urge you to visit when you’re in town. We open new locations all the time, so keep checking our website to see when we open one near you!

  • Because DexaFit can help you improve your health, maybe. We recommend contacting your insurance provider with this question before you visit.

  • Everyone at DexaFit is committed to learning and knowing exactly what you truly need to transform your health. Our technicians are trained according to individual state radiologic health branch requirements and we have a thorough internal training program.

DEXA Questions

  • Think of your DexaFit scan as the DEXA scan, reinvented. It's like upgrading from a classic flip phone to a smart, AI-powered smartphone.

    Our AI-enhanced DEXA technology doesn't just measure the standard metrics like body fat, lean mass, and bone density; it takes it a step further by uncovering critical indicators such as your biological age and potential risks for major health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes. This is more than just a scan—it's your ultimate tool for mastering body composition with precision.

  • Explore an in-depth analysis of your body with our DexaFit scan. Beyond assessing fat and muscle, it offers a detailed look at your musculoskeletal health, including bone density and muscle mass. You'll gain insights into visceral fat levels and receive an evaluation of potential disease risks, such as heart disease and diabetes.

    Your DexaFit scan also provides a comparative analysis against peer averages, helping you set personalized targets for optimal health. Additionally, visualize your results with a color-coded heat map of your body, making it easier to understand and track your progress. This isn't just a scan; it's a roadmap to your healthiest self.

  • On the day of your DexaFit scan, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything goes smoothly:

    Pre-Scan Preparations: Limit physical activity (no exercise, please!) and stay hydrated. Fast for at least two hours prior to your scan.

    Dress Appropriately: Wear workout clothes without metal. Small buttons or zippers are fine. Don’t forget your socks!

    Metal and Jewelry: You’ll be asked to empty your pockets and remove metal items like watches, belts, glasses, and jewelry.

    During the Scan: Relax on an open-air DEXA scan table. The process is quick and uses minimal radiation, equivalent to about four bananas worth of exposure, or a few hours of natural background radiation.

    Contrast Agents: Avoid gastrointestinal contrast, barium, or other contrast mediums, and radionuclides within 48 hours of your appointment.

    The DexaFit scan is a straightforward, non-invasive procedure designed for your comfort and convenience, providing valuable insights into your body composition

  • Regular DexaFit scans are crucial for actively monitoring your health progress. For most users, a scan every 3-6 months hits the sweet spot for tracking changes and measuring effectiveness. Prolonged periods without feedback might lead to following a less effective health strategy.

  • The DexaFit Body Scan leverages the precision of DEXA technology, long regarded as the gold standard in body composition analysis, and enhances it with AI for unparalleled accuracy and insights:

    Trusted Foundation in DEXA: Recognized for its precision in research and medical fields, DEXA technology forms the core of DexaFit scans. This proven method is renowned for its accuracy in measuring body composition.

    AI-Enhanced Analysis: DexaFit takes DEXA's reliability further with AI integration, offering not just detailed measurements but also personalized insights and health recommendations based on your unique data.

    Comprehensive Three-Compartment Model: Unlike two-compartment methods such as Hydrostatic Weighing or Bod Pod, DexaFit scans measure lean mass, fat mass, and bone mass, providing a more thorough analysis of body composition.

    Precision in Fat and Lean Mass Distribution: While other methods like BIA claim regional analysis, DexaFit provides a more precise and accurate distribution assessment, crucial for targeted health strategies.

    Beyond Conventional Limitations: Common methods like BIA, found in home scales and handheld devices, are often influenced by variables like hydration, leading to inaccuracies. Hydrostatic Weighing and Bod Pod are constrained by environmental factors and assumptions, affecting their precision.

    Direct Measurement Advantage: DexaFit's DEXA-based scans directly measure body composition, eliminating the assumptions and potential errors inherent in calculated methods. This direct approach significantly enhances accuracy and consistency.

    Wider Health Insights: DexaFit scans go beyond basic body composition to offer insights into health risks such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia, providing a more complete view of your overall health.

    In summary, DexaFit Body Scans, built upon the trusted and accurate DEXA technology and augmented with AI, offer a level of precision, detail, and comprehensive analysis unmatched by other body composition methods.

  • The DexaFit scan is a versatile tool designed for a wide spectrum of individuals seeking detailed insights into their body composition and health. Its diverse use cases make it an essential tool for many:

    Weight Loss Enthusiasts: For those on a weight loss journey, DexaFit provides precise data on fat distribution and body composition changes, enabling tailored strategies for effective weight loss.

    Fitness Aficionados and Athletes: Whether you're a gym-goer looking to track muscle gains or an elite athlete seeking peak performance, DexaFit offers the detailed analysis needed to fine-tune your training and nutrition.

    Elite Sports: Used extensively by professional sports teams to enhance athlete performance and for rehabilitation and injury prevention. Regular DexaFit scans help in fine-tuning training programs and maintaining optimal physical condition.

    Health-Conscious Individuals: For anyone invested in preventative health, DexaFit scans can reveal potential risks like visceral fat accumulation, aiding in the prevention of diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.

    Anti-Aging and Longevity Seekers: Crucial for those focused on aging well. DexaFit scans assess key factors like bone density, lean mass, and visceral fat. These metrics are correlated with aging, and our AI insights boil them down into a simple, comprehensive metric: your biological age and longevity score. This helps in tailoring strategies for longevity and a healthier, longer life.

    Endorsements from Health Experts: Renowned figures like Dr. Peter Attia, author of the bestseller "Outlive," endorse DEXA for its precision and comprehensive analysis. Similarly, influencers like Tim Ferriss recognize its value in personal health optimization.

    Personal Health Tracking: Beyond athletes and fitness enthusiasts, DexaFit is for anyone interested in personal health metrics. It's a tool for those who believe in the power of data to inform lifestyle choices and health decisions.

    In essence, the DexaFit scan is for anyone who values detailed, accurate health and fitness data. Whether you're starting a health journey, an athlete aiming for peak performance, or simply focused on aging well, DexaFit provides the insights necessary to guide your path.

  • Insurance coverage for DEXA scans can vary depending on the purpose and your personal medical situation. Here are some key points to consider:

    Bone Density Scans: If your scan is ordered by your physcian and used specifically for bone density assessment, it may be covered by insurance, especially if you meet certain age and medical criteria. DexaFit Gig Harbor does not accept insurance.

    Body Composition Scans: Currently, body composition scans are generally not covered by standard health insurance and are considered cash pay. However, many users have successfully received reimbursement from their insurance carriers after submitting their DexaFit results.

    Potential Insurance Benefits: Some users have even reported obtaining reduced life insurance premiums by sharing their positive DexaFit results, showcasing improved health and lower risk factors.

    HSA/FSA Eligibility: Dexa scans performed at DexaFit Gig Harbor are eligible for payment through Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), making them more accessible.

    It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage options and any potential benefits of submitting your DexaFit results.

RMR Metabolism Questions

  • RMR testing measures your Resting Metabolic Rate, akin to gauging the energy needed to keep a car idling. It tells us how many calories you burn at rest, supporting vital functions like breathing, circulating blood, and cellular repair. It's a fundamental indicator of your metabolic health, crucial for understanding how your body uses energy when it's not active.

  • Your RMR accounts for about 70% of your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). Knowing it is essential for accurately gauging your daily calorie needs. This information is critical whether you're aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain your current state. It's the foundational number on which your nutrition and fitness plans should be built.

  • The test highlights how your body primarily uses energy - whether it's burning fats or carbohydrates. This insight allows you to tailor your diet to your metabolic strengths, optimizing the way you fuel your body for daily activities and workouts.

  • Akin to prepping for a medical procedure, fasting for a minimum of five hours and limiting physical activity helps ensure your body is in a true resting state. Avoid caffeine and stimulants to prevent any alterations in your metabolic rate.

  • RMR includes calories burned during low-effort activities, making it a more realistic measure of your daily caloric needs, while BMR is the bare minimum your body needs to function at rest. Think of RMR as the energy needed to power not just the engine but also the lights and radio of a car, compared to just the engine (BMR).

  • DexaFit's RMR test is significantly more accurate than formula-based estimates, which can be off by 30-40%. It's like using a high-precision measuring tool versus a rough estimate, ensuring you get an accurate understanding of your metabolic health.

  • Absolutely. By understanding your RMR, you can more effectively tailor your diet and exercise plans. It's a critical component in breaking through weight loss plateaus or efficiently building lean mass.

  • Embarking on an RMR test is like decoding your body's energy playbook. It reveals your Resting Metabolic Rate, the baseline energy your body uses for essential functions like breathing and circulating blood. But there's more – you'll also discover your Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER), which tells you whether fats or carbs are your body's preferred fuel. Your Resting Heart Rate (RHR) unfolds the tale of your heart's efficiency, a silent yet vital aspect of overall health.

    Diving deeper, the test sheds light on your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) – a comprehensive measure encompassing not just your RMR, but also the energy expended through physical activity and workouts. TDEE even factors in the subtle yet significant energy used in everyday non-exercise movements, known as Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT). NEAT includes all the small activities you do throughout the day – walking, typing, even fidgeting – that collectively contribute to your daily calorie burn. Understanding TDEE is crucial, as it represents the total number of calories you expend daily, guiding you to make informed decisions about your diet and exercise for optimal health and wellness.

  • Lifestyle changes such as interval training can significantly boost your RMR. This type of training prevents your body from becoming too efficient at one exercise, continuously burning peak calories. Dietary adjustments like increasing protein intake also play a role, as protein requires more energy to digest.

  • Several variables influence your metabolic rate, including age, muscle mass, hormonal balance, and overall health. Understanding these factors is key to making informed decisions about your nutrition and exercise, optimizing your metabolic efficiency.

VO2 Max Fitness Questions

  • Imagine your body as a high-performance vehicle in an endurance race, with your VO2 max representing the size and efficiency of its engine, specialized for oxygen utilization. This test measures your body's ability to take in oxygen, transport it through your bloodstream, and use it in your muscles to generate energy at peak exertion.

    For example, while jogging leisurely, you might consume about 2 liters of oxygen per minute. As you increase your pace, your oxygen consumption rises. At a fast, challenging pace, you might use 4 liters per minute. Eventually, you reach a point where, despite pushing harder, your oxygen usage levels off. This plateau is your VO2 max.

    During a VO2 max test, you'll typically engage in an activity like running on a treadmill or cycling, with the intensity gradually increasing. You'll wear a mask connected to a device that measures your oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output. The goal is to push you to your limit to determine where your oxygen consumption peaks.

    Suppose your VO2 max result is 43 ml/kg/min. This indicates the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use per minute for each kilogram of body weight during intense exercise. It's a benchmark of your aerobic capacity. For context, elite athletes like Lance Armstrong have recorded VO2 max levels around 84 ml/kg/min, while sled dogs, known for their incredible endurance, can achieve VO2 max levels over 200 ml/kg/min.

    Your VO2 max score isn't just about speed; it's about the power of your aerobic engine. A higher VO2 max indicates a greater potential for endurance performance, akin to a car with a more powerful engine capable of greater speed. Unlock the potential of your body with a DexaFit VO2 max test in Boston and achieve peak performance and health.

  • A high VO2 Max is vital not only for athletic performance but also for your overall health and longevity. It's a primary indicator of cardiovascular health, directly linked to reduced risks of chronic diseases and lower all-cause mortality rates. Enhancing your VO2 Max can greatly improve your quality of life, helping you sustain an active lifestyle as you grow older.

  • Improving your VO2 Max through targeted training, such as high-intensity interval exercises, can yield numerous health benefits. An enhanced VO2 Max increases your body's efficiency in utilizing oxygen, which is crucial for endurance and overall fitness. Regular training aimed at boosting your VO2 Max also supports better heart health, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, and enhances metabolic function.

  • Zone 2 training involves moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, typically maintained at 60-75% of your maximum heart rate. At this intensity, your body maximizes fat oxidation and improves aerobic capacity. An example of a Zone 2 workout could be a steady, moderate-paced run, cycle, or swim where you can comfortably hold a conversation.

  • While Zone 2 training focuses on sustained, moderate intensity to enhance endurance and efficient oxygen use, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) offers a contrasting approach. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity activity. For example, a HIIT session might include 30 seconds of sprinting followed by a minute of walking, repeated several times. This type of training is designed to improve anaerobic capacity and metabolic rate.

    Zone 2 training is recommended for building a robust aerobic base, which is essential for long-term cardiovascular health and endurance. On the other hand, HIIT is excellent for boosting metabolic health and enhancing strength and power. Balancing these two types of workouts can result in a well-rounded fitness profile, addressing both endurance and strength aspects of physical health.

  • During a VO2 Max test, you'll undergo a graded exercise session on a treadmill or bike, beginning at a low intensity and gradually increasing to your maximum effort. You'll wear a mask that measures your oxygen consumption and CO2 output, providing detailed data on your aerobic capacity. The test is designed to safely assess your fitness level under careful monitoring.

  • The VO2 Max test is perfect for anyone aiming to optimize their fitness, whether you're an amateur exerciser or an elite athlete. It's particularly beneficial for those looking to customize their exercise .program to meet specific health or performance goals, or for anyone interested in understanding their cardiovascular fitness level

  • Absolutely. Understanding your VO2 Max can be transformative for those struggling with weight loss or facing a fitness plateau. By tailoring your workout intensity based on VO2 Max data, you can have more effective exercise sessions, helping you overcome barriers and achieve your desired results.

  • From the VO2 Max test, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of various crucial aspects of your fitness and health, including:

    Aerobic Capacity: The primary outcome, VO2 Max, is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. It's a definitive indicator of your cardiovascular fitness.

    Aerobic and Anaerobic Thresholds: The test identifies at what point your body switches from aerobic (oxygen-using) to anaerobic (oxygen-lacking) metabolism during exercise. This helps in optimizing training intensity for endurance and performance.

    Energy Utilization: Understand how your body uses different energy sources (fats and carbohydrates) at various exercise intensities. This insight is crucial for tailoring diet and exercise plans.

    Heart Rate Zones: The test delineates your unique heart rate zones, allowing for more precise and effective training regimens, especially for endurance sports.

    Respiratory Efficiency: Gain insights into how efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen to your blood and how effectively your muscles use that oxygen.

    Beyond these fundamental metrics, our advanced AI technology takes the data analysis a step further. It synthesizes your test results to provide a simple yet profound metric: your biological age.

    This AI-derived insight offers a clear picture of your overall health and fitness in relation to your chronological age, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of your body's true condition and potential areas for improvement. With this knowledge, you can tailor your lifestyle, exercise, and nutrition plans to not just meet, but exceed, your health and fitness goals.