One of my favorite magazines for fitness related material is Men’s Health. Men’s Health covers all sorts of topics for men like fitness, weight lifting, nutrition, weight loss, sex, style you name it and they probably write about it. If you haven’t picked up a copy of Men’sHealth I strongly suggest you do next time you are at the magazine rack. (my shameless plug for the week)
This post is about the Men’sHealth Challenge 2007 and how you can use it to make 2008 your best year yet.
What is the Men’sHealth Challenge?
The Men’sHealth Challenge is a five-test Challenge created by some of the world’s top trainers that measures you on strength, speed and endurance. I’ve completed the test and highlighted my results in red for you all to laugh at (just kidding!). So read it, try it and let me know how I stack up against you.
Whats in this test?
1. The Single-Leg Squat
Stand on a bench. Hold your arms in front of you and flex your left ankle so your toes point straight up. Keep your torso upright, bend your right knee and slowly lower your body until your left heel touches the floor. Pause 1 second, then push yourself up. That’s one repetition.
Measure Yourself
Out of shape: 0 reps
Average: 1 rep
Fit: 3 reps
Men’sHealth Fit: > 5 reps
2. 1-Mile Run
Go to a track or path that you know to be a mile. Set your timer and take off.
Measure Yourself
Out of shape: 10 minutes
Average: < 8 minutes
Fit: < 7 minutes
Men’sHealth Fit: < 6 minutes
3. Vertical Jump
Against a wall, extend your arm and mark your reach with chalk. Then jump as high as you can and make another mark. The space between marks is your vertical jump.
Measure Yourself
Out of shape: < 16 inches
Average: 16-18 inches
Fit: 19-24 inches
Men’sHealth Fit: > 24 inches
4. Chinup
Start from a full hang, hands shoulder-width apart, palms toward you. Pull your chin over the bar, and then lower your body back down.
Measure Yourself
Out of shape: 0 reps
Average: 4 reps
Fit: 8 reps
Men’sHealth Fit: > 9reps
5. Pushup
Assume the classic pushup position: legs straight, hands beneath your shoulders. Brace your abs. Keeping your body rigid, lower yourself until your chest touches the floor. Then push back up until your arms are extended.
Measure Yourself
Out of shape: < 20 reps
Average: 20-34 reps
Fit: 35-49 reps
Men’sHealth Fit: > 49 reps
So give it a shot and see how fit you really are. I can tell you when I first tried it I was rather shocked at how slow I was and how high I couldn’t jump!
Tried it? Leave a comment and let us know how you did
Posted by Nate K.