Fitness & Performance Tests

This hub is for recreational and competitive athletes, coaches, active adults, and clinicians who want lab data to guide training, recovery, and readiness. Core labs include CBC, iron studies/ferritin, Vitamin D, electrolytes/CMP, CK (creatine kinase) ± LDH/AST, thyroid (TSH/FT4/FT3), glucose/A1c/fasting insulin, lipids ± ApoB/Lp(a), hs-CRP, magnesium, urinalysis, and hormone markers (e.g., AM cortisol, DHEA-S, testosterone total/free SHBG; female cycle-timed estradiol, LH/FSH, progesterone). Results help identify gaps, adjust workload/nutrition, and decide when to seek medical evaluation.

What It Tests

A performance-focused lab workup can help you and your clinician:

Establish a baseline before a training block or return from injury/layoff.

Monitor training load & recovery (CK, hs-CRP, electrolytes, UA), and detect nutrient gaps (iron/ferritin, B12/folate, Vitamin D).

Assess metabolic health (A1c, fasting insulin, lipids ± ApoB/Lp(a)).

Check endocrine balance that can influence energy, sleep, strength, body composition, and menstrual health (thyroid, cortisol, testosterone/SHBG; LH/FSH/E2/progesterone with cycle timing).

Provide context for cramps, fatigue, performance plateaus, recurrent illness, or bone-stress injury risk.

Key Tests

Test Also Called (Synonyms) What It Measures Typical Prep (fasting?) Specimen Turnaround Related Panels Use Type (Baseline / Training / Recovery) Timing Notes (AM, rest days, cycle phase)

CBC Complete blood count Red/white cells, platelets; anemia/illness context No fasting Blood Same day–1 d Athlete Baseline, Endurance Panel Baseline/Training Morning draw preferred; avoid testing during acute infection

Iron Panel Ferritin Iron/TIBC/Transferrin saturation Ferritin Iron availability & stores (endurance capacity) Morning; some prefer fasting Blood ~1–2 d Athlete Baseline, Endurance Panel Baseline/Training Ferritin is acute-phase—pair with symptoms/CRP

Vitamin D (25-OH) 25-hydroxyvitamin D Bone/immune/muscle function No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Baseline, Women’s Performance Baseline/Training Test consistently by season; trend over time

CMP plus Electrolytes Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2, Glucose, BUN/Creatinine, Calcium Hydration, electrolytes, kidney/liver context Often fasting for comparability Blood Same day–1 d Hydration/Heat-Stress, Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Draw in similar training/rest state; avoid heavy sessions 24 h prior

Magnesium Serum Mg (± RBC Mg if offered) Muscle cramps, fatigue context No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Hydration/Heat-Stress Training/Recovery Consider repeat with symptoms; RBC Mg more stable if available

CK (Creatine Kinase) CPK Muscle breakdown/workload No fasting Blood Same day–1 d Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Avoid maximal training 24–48 hpre-draw; very high dark urine → urgent care

LDH / AST — Additional muscle/liver context No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Interpret with CK and symptoms

hs-CRP High-sensitivity C-reactive protein Systemic inflammation/load No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Endurance, Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Defer during acute illness/injury; track trends

TSH / Free T4 / Free T3 Thyroid panel; FT4/FT3 Metabolism/energy No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Baseline, Women’s Performance Baseline/Training Morning preferred; keep timing consistent across tests

A1c Glycated hemoglobin ~3-month glucose average No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Metabolic & Cardio Health Baseline/Training Use with fasting glucose/insulin for context

Fasting Glucose Fasting Insulin FPG; Insulin Glycemic control & insulin resistance 8–12 h fast Blood Same day–1 d Metabolic & Cardio Health Baseline/Training Test in stable routine; morning draw

Lipid Panel (± ApoB) TC/LDL-C/HDL-C/TG; ApoB Atherogenic risk profile Often 8–12 h fast Blood ~1–2 d Metabolic & Cardio Health Baseline/Training Repeat under similar conditions; add Lp(a) once

Lipoprotein(a) Lp(a) Genetic atherogenic particle No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Metabolic & Cardio Health Baseline One-time baseline (genetic); recheck if therapy context

Urinalysis UA Hydration, hematuria, proteinuria No fasting Urine Same day Hydration/Heat-Stress, Endurance Training/Recovery Avoid immediately post-race for transient changes

Creatinine/eGFR — Kidney filtration; hydration context No fasting Blood Same day–1 d Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Creatine supplements may raise creatinine—interpret with context

Uric Acid — High-purine diets/training context No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Metabolic Panel Baseline/Training Track if symptomatic or diet-related

Vitamin B12 / Folate Cobalamin / Folacin Nutrient status (esp. plant-forward diets) No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Baseline Baseline/Training Consider MMA/homocysteineif borderline (if available)

AM Cortisol — Recovery/strain context (trend only) Morning (7–9 a.m.) Blood ~1–2 d Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Keep draw time consistent; avoid acute illness

DHEA-S — Anabolic/anti-stress milieu (trend only) No fasting (AM preferred) Blood ~1–2 d Strength/Recovery Training/Recovery Morning, same conditions each test

Testosterone total/free SHBG TT/FT SHBG Anabolic milieu in men (trend only) Morning preferred Blood ~1–2 d Men’s Performance, Metabolic Baseline/Training Morning draw; note meds/TRT with clinician oversight

LH / FSH / Estradiol (E2) Gonadotropins E2 Cycle tracking / REDs context No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Women’s Performance Baseline/Training Test day 2–4 (early follicular) for baseline

Progesterone P4 Ovulation/luteal adequacy No fasting Blood ~1–2 d Women’s Performance Training/Recovery Mid-luteal (~7 days pre-menses; ~day 21 if 28-day cycle)

When to Test

Baseline before a new macrocycle, pre-season, or return from injury/layoff.

Performance plateau or unusual fatigue, frequent colds/infections, poor sleep, or mood change.

Endurance block (CBC, ferritin/iron; UA/electrolytes in heat); altitude training (CBC/ferritin).

Heavy eccentric/strength phases (CK/AST/LDH, hs-CRP).

Weight-class or physique prep (CMP/electrolytes, thyroid, lipids, UA).

Female athlete concerns (missed periods, bone stress injuries, low energy availability/REDs) — iron/ferritin, Vitamin D, thyroid, cycle-timed hormones.

Metabolic health goals (fasting insulin/A1c/lipids for long-term health and body recomposition).

How to Prepare

Fasting (8–12 h) for lipids, glucose, insulin; water is fine.

Timing: Prefer morning draws. Avoid maximal training 24–48 h prior to CK/hs-CRP; test under similar sleep/hydration conditions to track trends.

Hydration: Normal intake; extreme fluids can dilute UA/electrolytes.

Supplements/meds: List iron, B12/folate, Vitamin D, creatine, biotin (can interfere with some immunoassays), thyroid meds, and any hormone therapy (clinician oversight only).

Female hormones: Note cycle day in requisition; baseline hormones often day 2–4, progesterone in mid-luteal.

Illness/injury: Defer non-urgent labs during acute illness/injury unless monitoring that condition.

Interpreting Results

CK: can spike after hard sessions. Persistently very high CK with dark urine, severe pain, or swelling needs urgent medical evaluation (possible rhabdomyolysis).

Ferritin/Iron: low ferritin may reduce endurance capacity; ferritin can rise with inflammation — interpret with CBC and hs-CRP and how you feel.

Vitamin D: low status is common; discuss sun/season and repletion with your clinician.

Thyroid: High TSH with low/normal FT4 suggests a hypothyroid pattern; consider symptoms and medication effects.

Glycemic/insulin: elevated fasting insulin or A1c implies insulin resistance/poor control — align nutrition and activity with clinician guidance.

Lipids/ApoB/Lp(a): training helps, but genetics and diet matter; monitor ApoB/Lp(a) for long-term cardiovascular health.

Hormones: use consistent timing; hormones fluctuate and no single value diagnoses “overtraining.” Pair with performance and wellness metrics.

Related Conditions

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

Iron-deficiency (with or without anemia)

Overreaching / Overtraining

Electrolyte imbalance & dehydration

Thyroid dysfunction

Bone stress injury risk (low Vitamin D/energy availability)

Insulin resistance / Metabolic health

Bundles & Panels

Fitness #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel – Contains 9 tests with 74 biomarkers, including lipid panel with ratios, markers of inflammation/recovery, metabolic health, and hormone function.

Muscle Recovery & Performance Optimization Lab Panel – Focuses on biomarkers related to muscle health, energy metabolism, inflammation, hormonal balance, and nutritional status.

Fitness Profile — Nutrition Test – Provides a close look at micronutrient status, amino acids, metabolic efficiency, and nutrient-driven performance factors.

Endurance Athlete Blood Test (Blueprint Fitness) – Designed for endurance athletes; includes markers for cardiovascular risk, recovery/inflammation, metabolic health, and fueling optimization.

Advanced Sports Performance Test – Female – A comprehensive athlete-focused panel tailored for women—including full metabolic, hormonal, recovery, and nutrient/performance biomarkers.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for performance labs?
Yes for lipids, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin (8–12 h). Most other tests don’t require fasting.

My CK is high — should I be worried?
It often rises after hard sessions. If CK is very high and you have dark urine, severe muscle pain, or swelling, seek urgent medical care.

Ferritin vs serum iron — what’s the difference?
Ferritin reflects iron stores; serum iron/TIBC/transferrin-sat reflect circulating iron. Use them together with CBCand symptoms.

When should women time hormone tests?
Baseline LH/FSH/E2 on cycle days 2–4; progesterone in the mid-luteal phase (about 7 days before menses).

How soon after a race or max lift can I test?
Wait 24–48 hours before CK/hs-CRP to avoid transient spikes; other tests are less sensitive to acute workouts.

Will creatine raise my creatinine?
It may slightly increase serum creatinine; interpret eGFR and trend with your clinician.

How often should I recheck Vitamin D or ferritin?
Commonly every 8–12 weeks after changes, then 2–4×/year depending on season/training.

Can biotin or supplements affect results?
Yes, high-dose biotin can interfere with some immunoassays; list all supplements and meds.

What labs help detect overtraining?
No single test diagnoses it. Look at CK, hs-CRP, thyroid, iron/ferritin, and hormones alongside sleep, HRV, mood, performance trends.

What if results are normal but I still feel tired?
Discuss sleep, nutrition, training load, illness, and mental health with your clinician/coach. Consider further evaluation.

References

ACSM — Position stands on training, hydration, and recovery

IOC — Consensus statements on REDs and athlete health

Endocrine Society — Thyroid and hormone testing guidance

AHA/ACC — Lipid and ApoB/Lp(a) risk management context

ADA — A1c/glucose testing standards

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin D, iron fact sheets

Mayo Clinic / ARUP Consult — Test overviews and specimen considerations

Peer-reviewed reviews on CK, hs-CRP, and altitude/iron strategies

Last reviewed: September 2025 by Ulta Lab Tests.

You may get your fitness lab testing done here and use the results to make better health decisions. Click on the link below to learn more about the lab tests available to help you understand and track your fitness level.

All Fitness and Performance

Blueprint Fitness

Fitness & Training

Performance

To learn more about the performance and fitness laboratory tests that can be used to assess and monitor your health, click on the links to the articles that interest you.

Lab Tests to Measure Your True Physical Fitness

Blueprint Fitness Endurance Athlete Blood Tests - What You Need to Know

Fitness Assessment Lab Tests and their Benefits - What You Need to Know

Blood Tests for Optimal Athletic Performance

You can be putting in a lot of work to enhance your fitness but not seeing any benefits. Lab tests can help you figure out what's working and what's not. By completing a thorough examination and tracking changes in your biomarkers over time to monitor your development and health, you may be able to save time and effort.

Lab testing can also detect a wide range of health conditions and help you determine if you have any gaps in your health care so you can start filling them right away.

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Test	Also Called (Synonyms)	What It Measures	Typical Prep (fasting?)	Specimen	Turnaround	Related Panels	Use Type (Baseline / Training / Recovery)	Timing Notes (AM, rest days, cycle phase)
CBC	Complete blood count	Red/white cells, platelets; anemia/illness context	No fasting	Blood	Same day–1 d	Athlete Baseline, Endurance Panel	Baseline/Training	Morning draw preferred; avoid testing during acute infection
Iron Panel Ferritin	Iron/TIBC/Transferrin saturation Ferritin	Iron availability & stores (endurance capacity)	Morning; some prefer fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Athlete Baseline, Endurance Panel	Baseline/Training	Ferritin is acute-phase—pair with symptoms/CRP
Vitamin D (25-OH)	25-hydroxyvitamin D	Bone/immune/muscle function	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Baseline, Women’s Performance	Baseline/Training	Test consistently by season; trend over time
CMP plus Electrolytes	Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2, Glucose, BUN/Creatinine, Calcium	Hydration, electrolytes, kidney/liver context	Often fasting for comparability	Blood	Same day–1 d	Hydration/Heat-Stress, Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Draw in similar training/rest state; avoid heavy sessions 24 h prior
Magnesium	Serum Mg (± RBC Mg if offered)	Muscle cramps, fatigue context	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Hydration/Heat-Stress	Training/Recovery	Consider repeat with symptoms; RBC Mg more stable if available
CK (Creatine Kinase)	CPK	Muscle breakdown/workload	No fasting	Blood	Same day–1 d	Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Avoid maximal training 24–48 hpre-draw; very high dark urine → urgent care
LDH / AST	—	Additional muscle/liver context	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Interpret with CK and symptoms
hs-CRP	High-sensitivity C-reactive protein	Systemic inflammation/load	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Endurance, Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Defer during acute illness/injury; track trends
TSH / Free T4 / Free T3	Thyroid panel; FT4/FT3	Metabolism/energy	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Baseline, Women’s Performance	Baseline/Training	Morning preferred; keep timing consistent across tests
A1c	Glycated hemoglobin	~3-month glucose average	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Metabolic & Cardio Health	Baseline/Training	Use with fasting glucose/insulin for context
Fasting Glucose Fasting Insulin	FPG; Insulin	Glycemic control & insulin resistance	8–12 h fast	Blood	Same day–1 d	Metabolic & Cardio Health	Baseline/Training	Test in stable routine; morning draw
Lipid Panel (± ApoB)	TC/LDL-C/HDL-C/TG; ApoB	Atherogenic risk profile	Often 8–12 h fast	Blood	~1–2 d	Metabolic & Cardio Health	Baseline/Training	Repeat under similar conditions; add Lp(a) once
Lipoprotein(a)	Lp(a)	Genetic atherogenic particle	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Metabolic & Cardio Health	Baseline	One-time baseline (genetic); recheck if therapy context
Urinalysis	UA	Hydration, hematuria, proteinuria	No fasting	Urine	Same day	Hydration/Heat-Stress, Endurance	Training/Recovery	Avoid immediately post-race for transient changes
Creatinine/eGFR	—	Kidney filtration; hydration context	No fasting	Blood	Same day–1 d	Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Creatine supplements may raise creatinine—interpret with context
Uric Acid	—	High-purine diets/training context	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Metabolic Panel	Baseline/Training	Track if symptomatic or diet-related
Vitamin B12 / Folate	Cobalamin / Folacin	Nutrient status (esp. plant-forward diets)	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Baseline	Baseline/Training	Consider MMA/homocysteineif borderline (if available)
AM Cortisol	—	Recovery/strain context (trend only)	Morning (7–9 a.m.)	Blood	~1–2 d	Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Keep draw time consistent; avoid acute illness
DHEA-S	—	Anabolic/anti-stress milieu (trend only)	No fasting (AM preferred)	Blood	~1–2 d	Strength/Recovery	Training/Recovery	Morning, same conditions each test
Testosterone total/free SHBG	TT/FT SHBG	Anabolic milieu in men (trend only)	Morning preferred	Blood	~1–2 d	Men’s Performance, Metabolic	Baseline/Training	Morning draw; note meds/TRT with clinician oversight
LH / FSH / Estradiol (E2)	Gonadotropins E2	Cycle tracking / REDs context	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Women’s Performance	Baseline/Training	Test day 2–4 (early follicular) for baseline
Progesterone	P4	Ovulation/luteal adequacy	No fasting	Blood	~1–2 d	Women’s Performance	Training/Recovery	Mid-luteal (~7 days pre-menses; ~day 21 if 28-day cycle)

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The Importance of Lab Tests to Understand the Level of Your Physical Fitness.

53% of adults in the United States get the recommended amount of daily aerobic activity. However, only 23% get the recommended muscle-strengthening activity beyond that.

Self-assessment of one's physical fitness isn't always accurate.

So how do you ensure you're meeting your physical fitness goals? Figuring out exactly what your fitness status is can be the best way to start. Fitness lab tests can help you determine your current fitness status so you can work toward more optimal health.

Here's what you need to know about physical fitness lab tests and how they can help you hit peak performance.

What Is a Health Fitness, Stamina, and Performance Level?

The body is complex, and many factors come together to determine a fitness level. Your cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance can generally help you assess your level. There are even factors that you can measure on your own at home to assess your fitness.

53% of adults in the United States get the recommended amount of daily aerobic activity. However, only 23% get the recommended muscle-strengthening activity beyond that.

Self-assessment of one's physical fitness isn't always accurate.

Here's what you need to know about physical fitness lab tests and how they can help you hit peak performance.

What Is a Health Fitness, Stamina, and Performance Level?

But without having more details about how your body reacts to a certain activity, it is difficult to improve stamina and strength. Fortunately, they're easy to get and interpret.

How Can Lab Tests Help Understand and Improve One's Fitness, Stamina, and Performance?

You may be working hard and noticing progress in your quest for physical fitness. But lab tests can give you insight into what is working and what isn't. With a detailed analysis, you may be able to improve your performance with less effort.

Stamina lab tests can help you identify where your routine may need to be changed. For instance, you can determine if your recovery times are too short. Or you can take regular tests to monitor how regimen changes affect your fitness level.

What Are the Signs of Internal Fitness, Stamina, and Performance?

You can observe some of the signs of internal fitness on your own using a few common tools. For example, you can check your resting heart rate. Monitoring body fat is another common technique.

You can also do physical tests to see how long it takes you to run a certain distance. Recording weight lifting performance or activities like push-ups can also give you some insight.

Monitoring these factors will give you a good idea of your fitness levels. But if you want to train like professional athletes, lab tests can give you a leg up.

How Are Fitness, Stamina, and Performance Measured With Lab Tests?

Lab tests can detect an almost endless list of health conditions. They can help you and your medical provider determine if there are any deficiencies so you can get to work on making up for them.

A complete blood count (CBC) test, for example, checks your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This can give you insight into how your body is transporting oxygen.

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) checks for compounds within your blood. This test can help give you insight into how your metabolism is working. Meanwhile, a lipid panel will check your cholesterol levels.

Are you looking to increase muscle mass? Checking your folate levels can help you understand how your body produces energy and repairs muscles. Another way to assess your body's muscle function is to test for magnesium levels.

Lab tests can also measure the amount of growth hormone in your blood. Deficiencies can indicate less muscle mass.

Are you worried about your cardiovascular health? Get a test that checks homocysteine levels.

Fitness lab tests will include all of these basic tests, along with several others. This gives you a bigger picture of your fitness levels than you'll see from recording training sessions. Here are your options.

Fitness - Basic - The basic fitness test includes 4 different tests that examine 62 biomarkers.
Fitness - Basic Plus - This test includes all of those included with the basic test. It also will give you aldolase results to provide insight to cardiovascular health.
Fitness - Advanced - The advanced option includes 16 tests, including 80 biomarkers for the athlete looking to get serious.
Fitness - Comprehensive - The comprehensive option is the best choice for those looking to become professional athletes. You will get back results from 25 tests including 116 biomarkers.
Performance - Basic - If you are focused on performance, you may wish to start with the basic package that includes five tests showing 66 biomarker results.
Performance - Basic Plus - The basic plus option provides 16 tests with 105 biomarkers.
Performance - Advanced - If you are getting serious about your performance, take a look at the advanced package. It includes 20 tests with 112 biomarkers.
Performance - Comprehensive - You'll get the most out of the comprehensive package. With 40 tests for 142 biomarkers, you can figure out everything you need to know about improving performance.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Fitness, Stamina, and Performance

With Ulta Lab Tests, you have many different options to check your fitness and stamina levels. Beginners can check out the basic panels for fitness and performance. Even the most basic of panels will examine over 60 biomarkers.

Alternately, the pros can opt for a comprehensive performance panel. This test will give you feedback on 143 biomarkers.

For the casual athlete, there are many different options in between. The different levels allow you to get results on only what matters to you. Tests are easy to set up, and your results come back quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fitness, Stamina, and Performance and Lab Testing

How can I improve stamina?

Getting a blood test with a complete blood count (CBC) is a good start. Your test results will let you know how well your body transports oxygen. Once you have an accurate assessment of your stamina, you can work on aerobic exercise to increase it.

How can I monitor my physical performance?

Keeping a record of your heart rate, weight, and performance is a good start. Getting occasional lab tests will help you track your progress as you continue along your fitness journey.

How long do physical fitness lab tests take?

The lab test process is fairly quick. Once you select and purchase the test of your choice, you can set up a bloodwork appointment. After your bloodwork is done, you can expect results within a few business days.

How do I know which fitness lab test to get?

Review each of the fitness and performance tests first. Depending on how far you are in your fitness journey and how much data you would like, you have several options. To start, focus on the results that matter most to you. Taking another test in the future is easy.

Get the Right Fitness Lab Tests for You

Fitness lab tests can help take you from a fitness novice to a pro. They can help you figure out what areas need more work. It is also encouraging to watch the test results change over time as you become more physically fit.

You do not need a doctor's referral or health insurance to get started. You can simply pick the right test for you and get to work on improving your fitness. Check out our blood test offerings and take charge of your health today!

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