To get a truly scientific measurement of your fitness, you’d need a clinical assessment like a cardiac stress test. But to get in shape, you don’t have to have a battery of clinical tests. In fact, you probably have a pretty good idea of your current fitness level. You have a rough idea of your strength and endurance, enough to estimate how much you can lift or how far you can run. But you might find it helpful to get a statistically accurate picture of your current fitness level so that you can track and measure any changes as you become more active. That way, you can measure against your baseline and see the effect of your exercise regime.
The following self-assessment is based on The President's Council on Physical Fitness. This assessment will examine your:
Allow about an hour to complete this whole assessment. One note before we start: always consult your physician before starting or changing your exercise program, especially if you have a chronic condition or heart trouble of any kind. Your doctor may have good suggestions or recommend a training program tailored to your needs.