Most people think they are fit – at least somewhat fit anyway. But are we really? There are some very easy and simple fitness tests that you can do to see whether you are fit or not fit. Ready to try them out?

1. Are you still energized after 14 hours?

After a long day, do you still feel energized or are you sitting in your chair dozing off? If you are fit, you should still be active and alert at 9 PM if you woke up at 7 AM. If not, you can blame your over sedentary lifestyle.

So what to do? Exercise, sleep and reducing stress are important in fighting fatigue.

2. Are you able to carry large water or milk containers without feeling the strain?

Are your arms pretty strong? What about your shoulders, back, chest and knees? Let’s find out! Take two one-gallon jugs of milk or water and carry them – do you feel the strain? If so, this means a lack of strength and makes you more vulnerable as you get older to injury, as well as issues with arthritis, osteoporosis, and even dementia or depression.

It’s a fact that if a strength training program is put into place for 16 weeks, older adults with arthritis can lower their pain levels by as much as 43 percent.

Were you able to carry this weight without effort? Good news – you’re fit!

3. Are you able to jump up and down without your heart racing?

Yes? Then you have good cardiovascular fitness and a controlled heart rate. No? Then you should enroll in a fitness class; one that focuses on endurance and lowering your resting heart rate. Interval training is a great way to boost your endurance.

4. Okay this one is going to sound odd but can you trim your toenails standing up?

Can you do it without feeling any discomfort? Ah, so now you realize how inflexible you really are. This is something you can work on.  Take a yoga class to help ward off osteoporosis and arthritis. As we age, it’s very important to be able to stretch without pain.

5. Without moving your feet, can you twist and look behind you?

This movement tests your core strength and flexibility. Both of these are essential for strong, healthy, pain free backs.

So how did you do? If you passed all the tests then congratulations – keep doing what you’re doing! For those who failed, find a good gym, take a yoga class or just get out and walk for 30 minutes a day.

I would love to hear from our readers, so tell me how you did. Were you able to perform each task or did you have difficulty with some of them?

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