Find Your Place: Assess Your Overall Fitness

Here’s what dancing to music can tell you about your health.

Can you dance through two songs at a moderate to vigorous pace? In this video, SilverSneakers fitness expert David Jack explains how this quick, fun test can give you clues about your current fitness. Try it now, then see what your results mean below.

If You Kept Up Pretty Easily

That’s a sign you’re in good physical condition. You’ll want to keep it up—or even do a little more. In general, the more active you are, the more health benefits you get, like a lower risk of heart disease, protection against dementia, and better bone health.

For a well-rounded fitness plan, be sure to include these three types of exercise every week. And if you love dancing, why not take it up a notch with an upbeat SilverSneakers class?

If You Weren’t Able to Keep Up

That’s a sign you may need to improve your endurance or strength. The good news is the latest fitness guidelines say that sitting less and moving more for any amount of time—even five minutes—helps your health. In fact, new research says that a single instance of physical activity can have immediate health benefits, like better blood pressure and sleep quality.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get moving. Download this free 10-minute walking audio guide to get inspired, and feel free to pause and restart if you need breaks.

Want the camaraderie of a fitness class? Look for beginner-friendly, low-impact classes led by trained instructors, like SilverSneakers Classic. Many moves can be modified for your needs, such as using a chair for support.

If You Have a Chronic Condition, an Injury, or Pain

Worried that you’ll hurt yourself if you exercise? That’s a very common fear. Luckily, physical activity is safe for almost everyone, according to the latest fitness guidelines. The key is working with your doctor to find the right plan for you.

Start by talking to your doctor about your current health and any medications you take. Ask these three questions:

• What types of exercise are appropriate for me?
• How often and how much should I do them?
• Are there precautions or steps I should take? For example, people with diabetes may need to pay special attention to their feet. People with osteoporosis may need to avoid certain moves.

Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility Instantly

SilverSneakers gives you free, unlimited access to more than 16,000 gyms and fitness centers across the nation, plus classes and tools designed to keep older adults strong and independent. Check your eligibility instantly here.

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