Guide · Testing
DEXA, InBody, VO2 max and the tests worth paying for
Body fat, bone density, aerobic capacity, strength and metabolic rate: what each test measures, how accurate it is, what it costs in the UK and where to get one, including the ones your club may already include.
Updated September 2026 · Prices are UK list prices and need verification
This is general information, not medical advice. We are not doctors and this page has not been clinically reviewed. It cannot diagnose, treat or replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. If you are unwell, contact your GP or NHS 111; in an emergency call 999. Some links on this page are affiliate links; see our disclosure. Full medical disclaimer.
Tests
| Test | Measures | Accuracy | UK price | Where | Repeat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEXA scan | Body fat %, lean mass by region, bone density | Reference standard for composition; low radiation | £100 to £200 | Bodyscan (London), university labs, some private hospitals | 6 to 12 months |
| InBody / Tanita (BIA) | Body fat %, muscle mass, water | Fair; varies 3 to 5% with hydration | Free to £30 | Most clubs; Nuffield, David Lloyd, PureGym Plus | Monthly, same conditions |
| EGYM Fitness Hub | Composition, strength, flexibility, BioAge | BIA-based; strength via machines | Included | David Lloyd, Nuffield, Everyone Active | Quarterly |
| Bod Pod | Body fat % by air displacement | Close to DEXA for fat | £60 to £100 | University sports science labs | 6 months |
| VO2 max lab test | Maximal aerobic capacity, thresholds, fuel use | Gold standard | £120 to £250 | University labs, sports clinics, Third Space medical | 6 to 12 months |
| Resting metabolic rate | Calories at rest via gas analysis | Good; more reliable than formulas | £80 to £150 | Sports science labs | Annually |
| Grip strength | Hand grip force; predicts all-cause mortality | Simple and well-evidenced | £20 dynamometer | Home; some clubs | Quarterly |
| Blood pressure | Cardiovascular risk | Validated home monitors are good | £25 to £60 monitor | Home; pharmacies free | Weekly |
Prices September 2026. Many clubs include InBody or EGYM Fitness Hub scans in membership.
Body fat: DEXA against the machine in your gym
The InBody at reception uses bioelectrical impedance and swings 3 to 5 percentage points with hydration, time of day and whether you trained. It is fine for trends measured under the same conditions and useless for a single number. DEXA is the reference standard, costs £100 to £200 and adds bone density and regional lean mass, which is what people actually want when they ask about body fat. Do a DEXA once, then track InBody trends against it.
VO2 max: the number that predicts most
Aerobic capacity is among the strongest predictors of long-term health in large cohorts. Watches estimate it from heart rate and pace and are within 10 to 15 percent; a lab test with a mask on a treadmill or bike measures it directly and also gives your training zones. £120 to £250 at a university sports science department or sports clinic. Worth doing once if you train seriously; the watch trend is enough for most.
Strength and the cheapest good test
Grip strength with a £20 dynamometer is a validated predictor of all-cause mortality, is used in clinical frailty assessment, and takes thirty seconds. Below about 26 kg for men or 16 kg for women in middle age is a reason to prioritise resistance training. It is the best value test on this page.
What your club may include
EGYM Fitness Hub at David Lloyd, Nuffield and Everyone Active gives composition, flexibility, strength via the machines and a BioAge in one scan, free to members. Nuffield’s Health MOT adds blood pressure and glucose. Third Space includes medical and performance testing on some tiers. Ask before paying for a scan elsewhere.
Where to get tested
University sports science departments (Loughborough, Bath, Birmingham, Leeds Beckett, Stirling, Cardiff Met among others) run public testing days at the lowest prices with the best equipment. Bodyscan in London specialises in DEXA. Private sports clinics offer packages at £250 to £500. Our health testing finder lists venues by city.
When to see a GP
- A DEXA bone density T-score of -1 or below, or any mention of osteopenia or osteoporosis
- Grip strength well below the age norms, or noticeable strength loss
- Resting blood pressure repeatedly above 140/90 at home
- Chest pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness during any fitness test; stop and seek advice
NHS 111 online or by phone for urgent but non-emergency concerns. 999 for emergencies.
FAQs
Common questions
Is DEXA better than InBody?
Yes for accuracy and for bone density. InBody is fine for trends under identical conditions. Do a DEXA once a year and InBody monthly if you like data.
Where can I get a VO2 max test in the UK?
University sports science labs, sports medicine clinics and some luxury gyms. £120 to £250. Our finder lists them by city.
How accurate is body fat on a gym scale?
Within about 3 to 5 percentage points, and it moves with hydration. Weigh at the same time, same conditions, and watch the trend not the number.
What is EGYM BioAge?
A composite score from EGYM’s Fitness Hub combining strength, flexibility, cardio and composition. Useful for motivation and tracking; not a clinical measure.
Sources
- NHS · DEXA scan
- NHS · Osteoporosis · bone density thresholds
- BASES · UK sports science labs and accreditation
- British Heart Foundation · Blood pressure
Find a DEXA, VO2 max lab or blood draw near you.
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