Questions & Answers

One of our clients, Greg M., put it best: you probably know what's in your wealth account, but do you know what's in your health account? They say age is just a number, and it's true - but what number? Where do you compare to others your age? And is your level of functionality appropriate to move through the world in the way you want? This is what we want to help you find out.You go to the doctor regularly for a physical; think of a longevity test as a complement to that. We recommend testing every six months - because our test provides you with detailed benchmarks of your current fitness strengths and vulnerabilities as well as your ever-changing biological markers. 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.

This longevity test is the brainchild of University of Southern California professors Dr. Christopher Powers and Dr. Todd Schroeder, and NASM-CPT Jeff Stepp. Dr. Powers (PhD, PT, FACSM, FAPTA) is a world-renowned biomechanical expert who works with Olympic, professional, college, and high-school athletes to help them recover from injury and return to sport. Dr. Schroeder (PhD, FACSM) is a leader in the field of improving the physical and muscular strength of older adults. Jeff is a certified personal trainer, senior fitness specialist, and director of the longevity testing program. 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, incorporating the links between each testing category and overall mortality reduction into every assessment.

We typically suggest longevity testing beginning as early as 50 years old and as late as 80, though the earlier in that window you come in, the more runway we can give you to ensure a smooth landing as you continue to age.

Other than for the metabolic lab tests, which are provided by Quest Diagnostics - who takes most insurance plans - we do not contract with any insurers. We can, however, provide you with a detailed bill that you may submit to your own provider.

For your physical assessments, please wear close-fitting athletic apparel, preferably with shorts, along with shoes you are comfortable jogging in. Avoid overly baggy clothing and please do not wear dresses, skirts, sandals, heels, or other non-sport footwear. Sports bras are recommended for women.For your metabolic testing, Dr. Zheng will inform you if there's any special preparation needed for your tests.

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.

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.

​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.​