When it comes to measuring your fitness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking about what you “should” be able to do based on your age.
But this kind of thinking can be misleading. Everyone is different, and what’s important is not so much what you can do compared to others, but rather what you can do to meet the demands of your own life and goals.
Instead of focusing on specific age-based metrics, try thinking about your fitness in terms of your overall mobility, capability, exhaustion levels, and alertness.
Ask yourself questions like:
● Am I able to perform my daily activities without feeling exhausted?
● Do I have the strength and flexibility to do the things I enjoy, like playing sports or going for a hike?
● Am I able to take care of my daily needs, like getting dressed, cooking, and cleaning, without feeling overwhelmed?
● Do I feel alert and energized throughout the day, or do I struggle with fatigue?
By focusing on these broader measures of fitness, you can get a more accurate picture of your overall health and wellness, rather than just looking at specific age-based benchmarks.
Focus on Health
If you want to get into shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to remember that the goal is more than just being able to lift a certain amount or run a certain distance.
Of course, those kinds of goals can be motivating, but ultimately it’s the health benefits of physical activity that matter most.
Being out of shape and physically inactive is linked to terrible health consequences, including:
● Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
● Higher risk of type 2 diabetes
● Poor bone health
● Weakened immune system
● Slower metabolism
● Excess weight gain
● Worse mental health
● Increased risk of age-related cognitive decline
● Reduced life expectancy
This is why getting and staying in good shape is so important. Fitness is not limited to athletes, bodybuilders, and gym-goers. Everyone needs to prioritize physical activity in order to maintain their health and well-being.
Strengthen Your Weaknesses
No matter what your age or current level of fitness, it’s always possible to make improvements.
Take some time to assess your current situation and identify areas where you could use some improvement.
● Do you have difficulty with balance or coordination?
● Do you need to lose weight?
● Are you limited in your range of motion?
● Do you get winded easily?
● Do you lack muscular strength to carry your groceries or handle other daily tasks?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting in shape. Everyone has different fitness goals and needs, so it’s important to prioritize the areas where you need to work on the most.
Ask for Help
Getting in shape is not a journey you need to take alone.
Your doctor can provide a general assessment of your health and suggest types of exercise that would be safe and beneficial for you.
Physical therapists can help create a personalized program based on your individual needs. And trainers at the gym can give advice on strength training or other specific exercises.
By seeking out professional help, you’ll have access to the knowledge and resources necessary to reach your fitness goals in the safest and most efficient way possible.
Health guidelines generally recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
For some people, this may involve lifting heavy weights at the gym or training to run marathons. For others, it could mean going for a daily walk around the neighborhood or practicing balance exercises.
