My post yesterday about the physical labor I intend to do with my flooring project not only made me stop and take stock in just how far I’ve come but also left me speculating about where I’d be next year. I’ve decided that I need to do a physical assessment now so that in one year’s time I can have a reminder of just how far I've come.
So far I’m thinking of adding these to my list. They would be performed over the course of one week with a few done each day:
- Timed walking one mile, take my time for one mile this year and compare it to one mile next year
- Distance: How far can I jog before I have to stop
- Modified pushups
So now I’m asking all of you, what else should be on my list? What is a good measure of your physical strength right now? What should be on my list? What would be on your list?
Wow, this is a great idea. I'll have to think about my list. Maybe crunches? Weight lifted, if you do that. Hmm, I don't know. I may do some research and get back to you when I put together my own list.
ReplyDeleteWhat about stairs? I know that that's one thing I notice right away when I lose weight & become healthier is my ability to climb stairs easier & climb more of them w/o being as winded.
ReplyDeleteSince core strength is important, I'd add a timed plank in there, either full or modified. Here's a link to the modified plank:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/exercises.asp?exercise=7
Also, something for measuring flexibility. Maybe a simple seated toe touch, in which you sit on the floor with legs stretched out in front of you and see how close you get to (or how far beyond!) your toes.
Great idea!
I think stairs is a good thing. How about your breathing when you walk or jog. That's a great measure. When I started running, I was all over the place with breathing. Now, I can breathe through my nose while running. That's a huge difference from a year ago
ReplyDeleteThese are all great suggestions to add to your list (which is a fabulous idea, btw!) I like Cammy's thoughts on adding something to measure flexibility, and maybe balance, as well?
ReplyDeleteI'm not doing much work in the physically-healthy-me department right now, but you continue to inspire me!
The stairs and the flexibility tests are both excellent.
ReplyDeleteRather than measuring the time it takes you to walk a mile or the length you can jog, maybe you could measure your pulse and see it's doing when you walk or jog?
Good idea! I am going to create a list of my own. I like the stairs & the flexibility & the jogging. I have the walking in place (Thanks Irish Mom & Grumpy Chair!). Being able to walk over a mile without being winded, is a big difference from where I was in Feb.08.
ReplyDeletewhen I did the fitness assessment when I joined my gym, they tested my heart rate (how quickly it normalized after 3 minutes of stair stepping), my flexibility, how many pushups I could do in 3 minutes, and how much I could lift at once.
ReplyDeletedang
ReplyDeleteit has all been said :)
I immediately thought stairs and some sort of flexibility although Im not a huge fan of the old school 'sit & reach' test.
M.
Everyone has great ideas! My first thought was some kind of core test- but the stairs is a GREAT test, too.
ReplyDeletewhat they said (above) :)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea.. I'll be doing the timed mile too!
ohh goodness.. climbing stairs easier.. carrying groceries or packages easier.. working in the yard and really accomplishing something rather than just walking outside and cringing at the first drop of sweat (YEAH THAT WAS ME) ..Stamina too.. how long can you do tasks .. cleaning house .. deep cleaning before you get tired.. thats what I have for now..
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea. I think I need to do this as well. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteFang Jr. did this in school and they had to do straight sit-ups (not crunches) and no one holding their knees. I couldn't do them. But I can do lots of crunches.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Can't add to your list and ideas but will go away & think about mine.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted more upper body strength so I measure how well I do in a a modified push up. I'm still not very good...can't get my chin all the way down to the floor (or even close) but I can do more than I could before I started lifting weights.
ReplyDeleteI'll second the recommendation for a timed plank (how long can you hold it). Some kind of leg strength test too like a number of deep squats in 2 min or maybe step ups or box jumps.
ReplyDeleteYou could also find some kind of place where you could do a little kind of obstacle course in a park or playground and time how long it takes you to complete round or two of it. Flexibility tests are always good too. Most people have suggested but I just wanted to cast my vote.
Fab idea! A great way to celebrate your fitness successes and give yourself stats to beat as you continue to get fitter. There are some great suggestions here. My one would be simply for you to write a short note along with your test results about how you feel fitness-wise at the moment - i.e. things you do know that you couldn't/wouldn't do last year, whether you have much energy, what your exercise routine is like, what you find difficult. Then you have something to look back on that covers your general fitness,energy levels and well-being, not just specific tests.
ReplyDeleteHTH!
By the way, I've added a link to your blog on mine.
it's 2p. Where is my daily fix?
ReplyDeleteOn my list will be getting on my horse without a mounting block!
ReplyDeletedefinitately can't go wrong with running. I mean i haven't gotten to that level yet but walking or anything of that matter is good for your health. I'm a bit over weight and need as much help as possobile so I recently purchased these bike shorts from fitandsharp.com. I've been using them for about 3 weeks now and have seen a decrease in my waist. Give it a look, I hightly recommend it. Hope i was of some assistance!!
ReplyDelete