Fitness can be measured on a few different levels e.g. endurance levels, strength levels or flexibility. One of the best ways of testing fitness is to take your resting pulse rate.

Put the first two fingers of your hand on your neck under your jaw line, where a strip of muscle runs from your jaw line to the bottom of your neck. You should be able to feel your pulse, but if you can't, try moving your fingers around a little till you can find it. Start counting the beats, with the first beat counting as zero. Continue counting for 10 seconds, then multiply the number you get by 6. This is your resting heartbeat. Check our chart below to find your approximate level of fitness.

Another way of testing your level of fitness is through your recovery rate. But please check with your Doctor before doing any new exercise routine.

Stand in front of the bottom stair of a flight of stairs in your home. Put your hands comfortably on your waist and hips. Stand upright with your stomach muscles pulled in. Start to step up and down the step, being sure to put your heel down before the ball of your foot as you step up. Step up and down as fast as you comfortably can for 3 minutes. Rest for 30 seconds, and then take your pulse in the same way as we showed you before. Check our chart below to find your approximate level of fitness.

If your fitness levels are poor, and you want to improve them - why not try our beginner's cardiovascular programme.