Question

why is periodic fitness testing needed?

Answer 1

So you can see if you've improved. Building your body is like building a house. A third of the way in, a good contractor will inspect the house that their building to see if the job is progressing according to the plans. Evaluating what stage you are in your fitness level is the same thing! You are building your body to get it in the best shape possible. The fitness level are the plans(goals) that you set. Can you walk further than you did last month? Can you do more push-ups than you did last week? Seeing how far you have progress is an important part of fitness training. If you don't where you are in your training, then how are going to know where you need to be?