Everyone's fitness journey is unique and individual, but there is one common thread: the desire to test and improve our fitness level. How do we measure this elusive 'fitness level'? Well, it's usually determined by a mix of strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, and cardio performance. But how do you find out where you stand in these areas? That's where fitness challenges come into play. They are a great way to put our stamina, strength, speed, and flexibility to the test, giving us a clearer picture of our current fitness level.
Let's dive into 5 challenges that can help you assess your fitness level and give you a target to aim for in your fitness journey.
1. The Burpee Challenge
The burpee challenge is one of the most popular fitness challenges around. It tests your cardio endurance, muscular strength and your body's ability to move quickly. The challenge involves doing as many burpees as you can in a fixed amount of time, usually a minute. This can be a brutal test, but it's a great way to see where your cardio endurance stands.
2. The Plank Challenge
If you're looking to test your core strength, look no further than the plank challenge. The challenge is simple: hold a plank for as long as you can. The plank is a fantastic exercise for targeting the core muscles and it's a true test of endurance and strength. This challenge will give you a good idea of your core strength.
3. The 5K Run Challenge
Running is one of the most basic forms of cardio exercise, and a 5K run is a great way to test your fitness level. The challenge here is to run a 5K in the shortest time possible. This will not only test your cardio fitness but also your endurance. If you're new to running, simply completing the run is a great achievement.
4. The Flexibility Challenge
Flexibility is an often overlooked aspect of fitness, but it's a crucial component of overall health. A simple way to test your flexibility is by attempting to touch your toes while standing. If you can do this easily, try stretching further and reaching past your toes. Alternatively, you could try a yoga challenge, where you perform a series of poses designed to test and improve your flexibility.
5. The Push-Up Challenge
The push-up challenge is a classic strength test. The goal is to do as many push-ups as you can in one minute. This challenge will test the strength of your upper body, specifically your chest, shoulders, and triceps. It's a simple yet effective test to measure your strength.
Embrace these challenges, continually test yourself and you'll have a clear picture of your fitness level in no time. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination. These challenges aren't just one-off tests, they are tools to use regularly to track your progress and guide your workouts. Let your results motivate you! With consistent effort and determination, you'll soon see improvements.
