Which type of assessment evaluates an individual's physical fitness and readiness to begin an exercise program?

A fitness evaluation is specifically designed to assess an individual's physical fitness levels, including components like cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition. This type of assessment helps determine if a person is physically ready to engage in a specific exercise program. By measuring these components, health professionals can tailor exercise recommendations to fit the individual's current capabilities and goals, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.

While health assessments generally focus on overall well-being, including medical history and lifestyle factors, they do not exclusively measure physical fitness performance. Risk assessments evaluate potential health risks that could arise due to pre-existing conditions or lifestyle choices but do not directly measure physical readiness for exercise. Medical clearance involves confirmation from a healthcare provider that an individual is fit to participate in exercise, often following a fitness evaluation, but it does not encompass the comprehensive assessment of fitness levels that a fitness evaluation provides.