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Here’s a fun health test to try. Fun if you PASS it: A new study found that a simple fitness test can predict how likely you are to DIE in the next 10 years.
Over 4,000 people aged 46 to 75 tried it. And the ones who could do it easily were SIX TIMES less likely to die of heart and lung issues over the next decade.
It’s called the “sit-to-stand” test, or “cross-leg get up” test. All you have to do is sit down on the floor and stand back up. But you can’t use your arms, knees, or grab anything for support.
Lower yourself down until you’re sitting cross-legged (or “Indian style”), then stand back up.
If it’s easy to do, you’re probably in decent health. Ideally, you should be able to do it without putting your hand or knee down, or grabbing onto anything. But if you have to, it doesn’t necessarily mean you failed.
They scored each test by starting at 10 and subtracting one point every time support was needed. Like if you put your hand down once to sit and again to stand, that’s an 8 out of 10. They also subtracted half-a-point every time the person lost their balance and wobbled.
People who scored 4 or lower were the most likely to die in the next 10 years. If you’re eight or higher, you’re fine.
They say it’s a good test for overall health because it involves “all aspects of fitness that are not aerobic” . . . muscular health, balance, flexibility, and weight.
If you want to try it, they say do it on a rug or mat in case you fall. And have something like a chair or wall next to you in case you need help.
DON’T try it if you have knee, hip, spine, or joint issues, or any sort of physical disability.
(Here’s a video.)
