William Morgan
Figuring out how fit you are does not necessarily require a series of expensive medical tests or heading out to run timed laps in the cold winter weather.
A simple and easy way to test your physical strength and cardiovascular health can be done just about anywhere, by dropping to your hands and feet to do a push-up.
Not only is this a great way to work out your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core, but the number you are able to complete has been described by the Mayo Clinic as a good way to 'measure muscular strength and endurance'.
This target number can vary depending on your age, and can be a helpful goal for those who have not done any push-ups in a while - and you have to do them all in one go, or it doesn't count,
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While beginners can start building their strength by kneeling, these push-ups should be completed consecutively with the proper form.
Lying flat on the floor with your toes tucked in and your hands slightly wider than your shoulders, push yourself up straight, keeping your back parallel with the floor until your arms are straight. Now lower yourself and repeat the process.
A fit and healthy woman at the age of 25 should be able to do roughly 20 push-ups with proper form, while a man should be able to do 28, most advice agrees.
Fitness experts Freddie Chatt and Adam Clarke have shared with Women's Health how many push-ups a woman should be able to complete, which they broke down by age:
And according to Mayo Clinic analysis, men should be able to complete:
They also advise using these push-up targets as a way to measure your progress when starting a fitness regimen.
"If your pushup count is below the target number, use the target as a goal to work toward. Counts above the targets mean better fitness."
Whatever your results, using them as a motivation to be more active and get more exercise will result in a positive feedback loop, where you might even find yourself doing the push-ups of someone half your age.