We all know how important it is to stay fit while we age. But what does being fit mean? Do you define it by how often you work out? How far you can run? Is it how much you weigh? Here are nine easy tests to see if you’re fit.
9 Easy Tests to See If You’re Fit
There are five things that show you are in good shape: muscle strength, heart strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Make sure to talk to your doctor before trying any of these exercises.
1. Stand Up
Rise from a chair without using your hands. This is a test of balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
2. Take a Walk
Walk somewhat quickly for three blocks to test your cardiovascular ability. This is to make sure you are engaging your muscles properly.
Try to pretend you are floating rather than pounding the pavement. This will make you walk smoother.
3. Pulse Your Arms
Hold your arms straight out to the side, palms up at shoulder height and pulse them an inch upwards 25 times.
Do three more sets of 25 pulses, but change the direction your palms are facing. Try facing down, facing forward, and backward.
This is a test of your muscle strength.
4. Stay on Your Toes
Balance on your toes for 30 seconds without touching your heels to the ground. This is a test of balance.
5. Balance on One Foot
Stand on your left foot and clap your hands 30 times, then switch feet and repeat.
Another test of balance.
6. Rise Up Without Using Your Hands
Lay down on your back on the floor and then get up to a standing position without using your hands.
This is a test of muscle strength and coordination.
7. Do Yard Work
Rake leaves or shovel snow for 20 minutes. This is a test of cardio and muscle strength.
8. Hold a Plank
Hold yourself in an upper push-up position. This is known as the plank position, for 30 seconds.
This is a test of muscle strength.
9. Bounce Your Knees
Get down on all fours with your palms on the floor directly below your shoulders, and your knees on the floor directly below your hips.
Keeping your upper body stationary, lift your knees, so they are hovering off the ground. Bounce them upward an inch and back down to the hovering start position for 45 seconds without stopping.
This is a test of cardio and muscle strength.
How to Score Yourself
If you can do 1 to 3 exercises, you should prioritize your workout efforts.
If you can do 4-6 exercises, good job, but you can do better.
If you can handle 7-9 exercises, you are the best!
Read more here.