You are in the basement when suddenly there is an explosion and fire. To save your life, you must bolt up the stairs and get to safety. That requires cardio endurance. The following will test your Fit to Live endurance level:
1. Without holding onto the railings, can you climb 20 stair steps in 40 seconds?
a. "Swimming in sweat"
b. "Breaking a sweat"
c. "No sweat!"
2. Time yourself in a 1-mile fast-paced walk on a flat surface. Compare your time against the "1-Mile Walk" chart.
a. Slower than you should be or can't do it at all
b. At age and gender level
c. Above average for age and gender
3. Time yourself in a 1.5-mile run on a flat surface. Compare your time against the appropriate "1.5-Mile Run" chart for women or men.
a. Slower than you should be or can't do it at all
b. At age and gender level
c. Above average for age and gender
[Click Here to Check Your Score]
Fitness Assessments are reprinted with permission from Fit to Live by Pam Peeke. Copyright 2007 by Pamela Peeke, MD. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc. Emmaus, PA 18098. Available at the Discovery Store, directly from the publisher by calling (800) 848-4735, or wherever books are sold.
