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ACTIVATE YOUR AGE
LONGEVITY TESTING
Longevity testing is all about learning how to live a longer, stronger, and healthier life. But not all longevity tests are made equal.
Most longevity testing is based on blood tests that can tell you a lot about your body on the inside, but they do nothing for how you move and feel on the outside.
THE MPI WAY
Longevity Testing at the Movement Performance Institute is different. Instead of needle sticks and blood draws, our test uses a science-driven series of strength, mobility, balance, and reaction-time assessments designed to help you move better, live stronger, and age with confidence. Grounded in decades of clinical research and biomechanical expertise, this innovative evaluation identifies the key physical factors that influence long-term health, resilience, and independence.
In just two hours, you'll understand where you stand compared to others your age and gain personalized insight into what areas matter most for reducing fall risk, improving daily living, and extending your healthspan so you can continue doing the things you love for years to come.
THE SIX ASSESSMENTS
During your longevity test, you will be evaluated in the six fundamental areas of human ability in order to gain more holistic insight into your current fitness condition. They are:
Balance
Balance affects nearly everything we do in life, from standing, bending, walking, and reaching. Poor balance compromises our ability to interact with the world and can lead to dangerous falls. Improving it is key to longevity.
Gait
Gait is a fancy word for the way we walk, and is affected by everything from genetics to injury history to current muscular function. It's also a great predictor of future injury and immobility risk.
Strength
Strength is more than just lifting weights. Our muscles hold up our bodies and allow us to move through space. They also decline rapidly with age, but this can be slowed with training - effectively extending our body's functional lifespan.
Cardio Capacity
Cardio - a word many people dread. But fear not, it's more than just running. And improving our cardio capacity is proven to add years to our life. It lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, risk of heart attacks, and makes every movement - and therefore life - easier.
Body Composition
The key to a long and healthy life is more than just a number on a scale. Our body's balance of fat, muscle, and bone fluctuates as we age, and in older adults improvements and adjustments can have a profound affect on our lifespan.
Reaction Time
How fast we react to stimuli is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive decline. Luckily, assessing a baseline for mental quickness can show us what we need to improve - and how to keep our mind sharp in the years to come.
What is the test like?
During your two-hour session, we will assess your abilities through several different testing protocols. All are non-invasive and are closely monitored to ensure they are pain-free and appropriately challenging for your fitness and mobility level. You will have plenty of time to rest and re-hydrate if necessary between tests.
Our movement tests involve walking 30ft back and forth, balancing on one foot at a time, and both walking and jogging on a treadmill for up to a minute at self-selected speeds.
Body composition measurements are made using a painless, electrical monitor. Please inform us if you have an electrical device implant like a pacemaker or an LVAD.
To measure reaction time, you will be asked to perform a simple selection test while standing as well as a similar test that involves stepping from one foot to another.
The strength portion of our tests involve isometric exercise of the hips, glutes, and quadriceps, performed in both seated and prone positions.
Cardio capacity is evaluated by progressing from a walk to a jog on a treadmill for about 5-10 minutes. You will be monitored at all times and will not be pushed to exert more effort than you are comfortable with.
What happens after the test?
At the end of your two-hour assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report of your performance in each of the six tested areas, along with recommendations for improvement. The report includes a "longevity age" based on your overall score, showing you exactly how you compare to others like you - and allowing you to track your progress over time.
Your assessment also includes a free sit-down with our NASM-certified Senior Fitness Specialist to review the findings. The specialist will answer your questions and outline a training roadmap based on your assessment, which you may then use on your own or by arranging personal training with Stepp Up Fitness.
Location and Facility
All longevity testing is performed in-house at the Movement Performance Institute in El Segundo, CA. Unlike big-box gyms, MPI is a doctor-led physical therapy and return-to-sport gym that hosts only a few sessions at a time, ensuring individualized attention and unmatched privacy.
Movement Performance Institute
2101 E. El Segundo Blvd. Suite 101
El Segundo, CA 90245
Frequently Asked Questions
Why get a longevity test?
You go to the doctor every year for a physical; think of a longevity test as a complement to that. Our test provides you with detailed benchmarks of your current fitness strengths and vulnerabilities, and the results can help you with whatever your goals may be, like leveling up in a sport, increasing endurance, reducing risk of injury, or improving your balance and mobility.
How was this test developed?
This longevity test is the brainchild of University of Southern California professors Dr. Christopher Powers and Dr. Todd Schroeder.
Dr. Powers is a world-renowned biomechanical expert who works with Olympic and professional athletes to help them recover from injury and return to sport. Dr. Schroeder is a leader in the field of improving the physical and muscular strength of older adults.
To determine the six areas of assessment, as well as their scoring and evaluation, they consulted the most current and scientifically-relevant literature to create the most comprehensive and actionable longevity test in the industry.
What do I need to do before the test?
There's nothing special you need to do prior to the test, but because of how the body composition measurement works, we recommend you do NOT eat a large meal or drink a large amount of fluids before your test, as it can slightly skew the results. Other than that, just stick to your normal routine.
What should I wear to the test?
Close-fitting athletic apparel is best, along with sneakers or running shoes. Avoid overly baggy clothing and please do not wear dresses, skirts, sandals, heels, or other non-sport footwear.
Will I be tired after the test? Can I go to work after?
The tests are not exhausting, but you will be moving and exerting effort, so if you are not currently active, we recommend not scheduling anything intense afterward until you see how you feel. But in general, you should be fine to continue your daily activities after the test.
How much does it cost?
The cost for the complete battery of assessments, report, and sit-down session with your Senior Fitness Specialist is $695.
Is the test private?
Our longevity tests are performed at the Movement Performance Institute in El Segundo, CA. MPI is a private, boutique gym and physical therapy facility. It is not open to the general public. The only other occupants of MPI during your test are its doctors, therapists, trainers, and their patients.
Who are MPI and Stepp Up Fitness?
The Movement Performance Institute (MPI) is a state-of-the-art clinical facility dedicated to understanding the biomechanical basis of healthy and disordered human motion. Run by the renowned Dr. Christopher Powers, MPI provides in-depth biomechanical evaluations as well as rehabilitation and consultation services for persons with musculoskeletal complaints or those looking to enhance physical performance and/or prevent injury.
Stepp Up Fitness LLC is a 1-on-1, personal training company run by head trainer and NASM-certified Senior Fitness Specialist Jeff Stepp. Operating out of MPI's facility, Jeff is a former varsity athlete, a life-long runner, weight-lifter, skier, and fitness enthusiast who focuses on comprehensive, data-driven workouts. He will help you set and meet achievable goals, navigate the often confusing ins and outs of nutrition and supplements, and most importantly, find a fitness routine that's fun and fits your lifestyle.
Copyright 2026 - Movement Performance Institute and Stepp Up Fitness LLC. "Activate Your Age" trademark used with permission from Stepp Up Fitness LLC.
This test and all associated advertisements are not to be construed as medical advice nor a substitute for it. Participants are advised to obtain medical clearance prior to testing, and acknowledge that participation is at your own risk.
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