Take this test to assess your fitness level
This test will determine if you are physically fit or old for your age...
A fitness test known as the 'Old Man Test' will let you know if you are in good shape. It assesses balance, strength, and flexibility.
The test has been around for years but recently went viral online after social media users discovered videos about it. There are different variations of the test, but they all focus on balance and stability, which experts believe is essential for your overall health as you age.
Experts at Norweigan fitness centre Trim Trening Trivsel shared a demonstration on Instagram. The test, also known as the 'old person test', involves performing a series of movements. Some versions of the tests are 10 seconds long, while others are 15 seconds long.
From the standing position, you get down onto your knees, then stretch out your legs and cross them before attempting to stand up again.
It sounds easy, but doing it with your arms folded across your chest makes it much more difficult.
One person remarked, "Just watching it made my knees hurt." Another person commented: "I can get down. Getting back is still being worked on. I’m half old."
While some called the test "nonsense", there is method to the madness.
The Daily Mail reports that "a 2012 study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology found the sitting to rising test (SRT) was a significant predictor of mortality in people aged between 51 and 80".
Researchers found that those who were able to complete the test easily had a "reduced risk of frailty and potentially deadly falls," which helped ensure longevity.
Good balance, strength, and flexibility come in handy as you age. If you failed the test, don't fret, it is never too late to start working on your fitness.
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Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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Main image credit: iStock/Andrej Filipovic