Wanna Know How Strong You Are? Do a Push-Up

The New York Times reports that one of the best ways of pinpointing your true fitness level is to try doing push-ups. The exercise uses your body weight to raise and lower your entire body in a plank position, testing numerous muscles—such as core, arms, chest, hips and legs.

Strength training is key to building better bones, burning fat, speeding up Metabolism and maintaining balance. Unfortunately, over the years, people lose about 30 percent of their strength. But no worries, with regular exercise you build the strength of the muscles you have left. The Times suggests, “If the floor-based push-up is too difficult, start by leaning against a countertop at a 45-degree angle and pressing up and down. Eventually move to stairs and then the floor.” So get to lifting!