Tour Overview:
Our Kinesiology High School Tours are designed for students interested in areas such as physical education, health and wellness, and health sciences (e.g., Grade 12U Exercise Science, Biology, Physical Education/Fitness, and Health & Wellness courses).
Each tour lasts approximately 2 hours and offers an engaging introduction to human performance and body composition testing. Led by graduate students from McMaster’s Department of Kinesiology, the experience includes:
15-minute Introduction
A brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the scientific principles behind commonly used tests in human physical performance and body composition.
90-minute hands-On Lab Demonstration
Students participate in interactive demonstrations of key assessments, including:
-
- VO2max Test
- Wingate Anaerobic Test
- Body Composition Analysis
These are conducted using state-of-the-art scientific equipment in our research labs.
Short descriptions of these tests are provided below.
15-minute Wrap-Up & Q&A Session
A closing discussion where students can ask questions and learn more about the Kinesiology program at McMaster.
Bookings Site:
Kinesiology High School Tours Bookings
Tour Fee & Payment Information:
The fee for the Kinesiology High School Lab Tour is $375 + HST (total: $423.75).
An invoice will be emailed to your provided address, which will include payment options.
Group Size:
Maximum group size: 32 people (including teachers)
If your group includes more than 30 students, please ensure you have booked two separate tours.
Test Descriptions
VO2max Test
This test measures the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during intense exercise—considered the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness. It’s commonly used to evaluate performance in endurance athletes (e.g., runners, cyclists). During the test, participants exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill at increasing intensity while breath samples are collected through a mouthpiece.
Wingate Test
This test assesses peak power output during a 30-second, all-out sprint on a specialized cycle ergometer. It’s highly demanding and challenges both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. The Wingate Test is widely used to evaluate athletes in sports requiring short bursts of high-intensity effort (e.g., hockey, rugby, soccer).
Body Composition Test
This test determines body mass using a precision electronic scale and body volume using the BOD POD—a specialized chamber. The BOD POD provides detailed insights into body fat percentage, fat-free mass, resting metabolic rate, and estimated daily caloric needs.
For more information or to inquire about booking a tour, please email kintours@mcmaster.ca
McMaster Campus Tours
Please note that McMaster Campus Tours are booked independently from the Kinesiology High School Lab Tours.
If you’re interested in exploring the broader McMaster campus, you can arrange a general tour through our Student Recruitment Office. You can also explore McMaster’s facilities from anywhere using our Virtual Campus Tour, accessible on your preferred device.