THE OFFICIAL CHESTER STEP TEST
Chester Step testing for professional teams.
Follow the established Chester Step protocol, record heart-rate responses and calculate estimated VO₂max with clear PDF reports. Software, equipment and practitioner resources for professional testing.
Developed by Professor Kevin Sykes, who works closely with our team and endorses the Chester Step software.
The original Chester Step Test
UNDERSTAND THE RESULT
An estimate of aerobic capacity. Not a laboratory measurement.
The participant steps in time with the Chester pacing audio. Workload increases in stages while heart rate and perceived exertion are monitored.
The result is an estimated VO₂max, commonly expressed in ml/kg/min. Appropriate screening, consistent delivery, suitable equipment and sound professional judgement remain essential.
WHO IT’S FOR
For health, fitness, emergency services and research.
Healthcare
Physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational health and clinical research.
Sport and fitness
Coaches, personal trainers, athletic teams and fitness centres.
Emergency services
Fire and rescue, police, military and security personnel.
Research and education
Universities, research institutions, medical schools and training programmes.
SOFTWARE
Chester Step software. From pacing to professional reports.
Bring test delivery, calculation and reporting into one clear workflow, built around Professor Kevin Sykes’s research-backed submaximal protocol.
Guided test delivery
Use integrated pacing and instructions to support consistent delivery of the Chester Step protocol.
The right edition
Choose the Chester Step edition and step height appropriate to your setting, following the relevant protocol guidance.
Instant estimated VO₂max
Enter the heart-rate responses and see the estimated aerobic capacity as soon as you calculate. It is an estimate, not a laboratory measurement.
Reports and participant records
Create professional PDF reports and keep participant results together for review and follow-up.
Cartwright Assess
FAQ
A few useful answers.
What is the Chester Step Test?
A progressive, submaximal assessment developed by Professor Kevin Sykes. It estimates aerobic capacity from the heart-rate response to stepping exercise.
How do I get started?
Choose software, equipment or a complete testing setup to suit your setting. Cartwright Fitness can help you select the right edition, equipment and practitioner training.
Is training provided?
Online training, video resources and practitioner support are available. The one-hour online seminar is sold separately. Check what your chosen package includes before buying.
What support is available?
Cartwright Fitness offers email support, documentation, video tutorials and direct technical assistance. Contact the team for help getting started.
I already have a licence. Where do I log in?
Already using CST2? Use the CST2 customer login. If you have moved to Assess, use your Assess login. Ask the team about migration before changing access.
Choose your Chester Step setup.
Start with the software, then add the equipment and practitioner training your service needs.
The official Chester Step Test software, equipment and practitioner resources.
Software
[Colin: approve current Cartwright Fitness privacy/cookie policies and terms; legacy links named a different owner.]
The Chester Step Test and Treadmill methodologies are the IPR and copyright of Professor Kevin Sykes. Associated software, including CST2, is copyright Cartwright Fitness Ltd 2013–2026. All rights reserved.