Fitness Tests - Just How Fit Are You?
Test your Balance, Cardio and Coordination
Whether you row, run, jump, throw or play team sport, your fitness is a big factor in your performance. When we talk about fitness, most think only of cardio-vascular fitness, that is, how well your body uses and distributes oxygen. But don't forget balance and coordination! If these are not as good as they could be you may not be getting the most from your training - and these can always be improved.
But be prepared! My last test below on coordination, may also tell you something about your body and movement you didn't know. The answer to 'how fit are you?' depends mainly on what you want to be fit for. If you're a runner, or are considering taking up running, your fitness requirements are different to a weightlifter, rower, tennis player ...you get the idea. Being fit has great benefits for your sport, but also for your health and well-being. It will also help as you get older because maintaining bone density, cardiovascular fitness, balance and strength will mean better health in your later years. |
So Want Do You Want To Be Fit For?
Before you take the tests, just ask yourself 'what do I want to be fit for?' The tests I use will give you a general idea of your fitness relating to balance, cardiovascular fitness and coordination. All of these are vital for fitness. If you can't balance, are uncoordinated or unable to deliver oxygen to your muscles and organs, you're going to struggle to take part in any sport or physical activity.
However, even if you're fairly fit, if one of these important abilities is below average, your performance will be limited. If your coordination is poor, you're also likely to risk injury.
So let's get going. Take the tests below and see how you score. Don't be worried if you don't do too well on some of them - there are always steps you can take to improve your balance, coordination and cardiovascular fitness (also known as cardiorespiratory fitness).
We'll start with the obvious one first.
However, even if you're fairly fit, if one of these important abilities is below average, your performance will be limited. If your coordination is poor, you're also likely to risk injury.
So let's get going. Take the tests below and see how you score. Don't be worried if you don't do too well on some of them - there are always steps you can take to improve your balance, coordination and cardiovascular fitness (also known as cardiorespiratory fitness).
We'll start with the obvious one first.
1. Cardiovascular Fitness Test
Your cardiovascular fitness plays a vital role in your sport, fitness training and health. It relates to how your body takes in oxygen,
delivers it to where it's needed most, and then uses it efficiently.
>>> Take the Cardiovascular fitness test here.
Your cardiovascular fitness plays a vital role in your sport, fitness training and health. It relates to how your body takes in oxygen,
delivers it to where it's needed most, and then uses it efficiently.
>>> Take the Cardiovascular fitness test here.
2. Balance Test
You don't have to be a tight-rope walker to benefit from good balance. This simple on-leg balance test will tell you how good your
balance is. I have a few recommendations if you need to improve it. Please note you don't need a ball for this test.
>>> Please test your balance here.
You don't have to be a tight-rope walker to benefit from good balance. This simple on-leg balance test will tell you how good your
balance is. I have a few recommendations if you need to improve it. Please note you don't need a ball for this test.
>>> Please test your balance here.
3. Coordination Test
Balance and coordination go hand-in-hand. But many sports people suffer from poor coordination and don't even know it. This can effect your performance as it means your muscles could be working against each other as you train and compete.
>>> Try my coordination test here.
I hope you find these useful. Remember, you can always improve your cardiovascular health, balance and coordination. Keep moving, playing sport and working on your technique and you'll continue to develop.
Remember the old saying - "if you don't use it - you lose it!"
Balance and coordination go hand-in-hand. But many sports people suffer from poor coordination and don't even know it. This can effect your performance as it means your muscles could be working against each other as you train and compete.
>>> Try my coordination test here.
I hope you find these useful. Remember, you can always improve your cardiovascular health, balance and coordination. Keep moving, playing sport and working on your technique and you'll continue to develop.
Remember the old saying - "if you don't use it - you lose it!"