In our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, having a gym membership can be essential for maintaining fitness. Five daily health assessments can gauge your current level of fitness and help determine whether a gym membership is necessary for you.
Determining one’s level of fitness can be as diverse as the opinions of ten experts, each offering a unique definition. However, there’s a simple way to assess your fitness without relying on a gym membership. By engaging in everyday health tests, you can gauge your fitness level and potentially forego the need for a gym altogether. It may sound unconventional, but it’s worth a try! Take the challenge and see if you can accomplish the following tasks. You might discover that you no longer need the gym. So, let’s dive into the “Can You” list. You can perform these activities while reading this post and honestly evaluate your performance. A surprise awaits both those who pass the tests and those who don’t. Remember, no cheating allowed.
Test 1: Can You Sustain Energy Levels for 14 Hours After Waking Up
If you’re unable to maintain alertness and activity levels until 8 p.m. after waking up at 6 a.m., your overly sedentary lifestyle may be the culprit. Regular exercise is crucial as it’s known to boost energy levels. A comprehensive study, which reviewed 70 papers on exercise and fatigue involving over 6,800 individuals, discovered that sedentary individuals who adhered to a consistent exercise regimen experienced less fatigue compared to those who didn’t exercise, as reported by WebMD.
Test 2: Can You Hold Large Water Containers in Each Hand Without Experiencing Strain
Being able to carry large containers of water or milk isn’t just about the size of your biceps; it also involves utilizing strength from your back, chest, and knees. These muscle groups are crucial for maintaining strength as you age. Weakness in these areas can increase vulnerability to injury and conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and even depression and dementia. A study conducted at Tufts University revealed that older adults with arthritis experienced a 43 percent reduction in pain levels after participating in a 16-week strength training program. Therefore, if you can carry such weight effortlessly, you have reason to feel relieved.
Test 3: Can You Jump Up and Down Without Experiencing a Racing Heart
If you’re able to jump up and down without experiencing a rapid heart rate, it suggests you have a controlled heart rate and good cardiovascular fitness. However, if jumping causes your heart to race, it might be time to consider enrolling in a gym class. You could choose a workout regimen that focuses on interval training, as it’s an effective method for enhancing endurance and lowering your resting heart rate.
Test 4: Can You Trim Your Toenails While Standing Up
And you shouldn’t experience any discomfort while bending. If you find that you’re struggling with flexibility, don’t worry; there are ways to improve it. Flexibility is crucial for preventing conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as maintaining heart health. A study published in the American Journal of Physiology revealed that the inability to stretch past your toes was linked to arterial stiffness, a precursor to heart disease. Consider incorporating stretch-and-strength exercises inspired by yoga into your weekly workout routine to enhance flexibility and overall health.
Test 5: Can You Twist and Look Behind You Without Shifting Your Feet
This test showcases good core strength and flexibility, both essential for maintaining a strong, healthy, and pain-free back. Now that the tests are complete, it’s time for the promised gifts! For those who successfully passed all stages, here’s a golden piece of advice (yes, it counts as a gift!): keep up with whatever you’re doing to stay fit; evidently, it’s working well for you. And for those who didn’t pass, here’s a stern warning and instructions (yes, you’ll realize later how valuable this gift is): promptly seek out a reputable gym and focus on improving yourself; you’re currently far from being fit and healthy.