As I was reading my “O” magazine last week, I came across an interesting article. It talked about the correlation between sitting and rising up off the floor and your life expectancy. Hmmmm? What does this mean?
Here’s the scoop:
A study in 2012 with over 2000 adults revealed that subjects who scored below an 8 had a lower life expectancy than those who scored 8 and above.
Good News though! For every point increase you get a 21% improvement of your life expectancy.
The test is a measure of musculoskelatal fitness, which directly relates to life expectancy.
What if I scored low? More good news! All month long I am dedicating a portion of my classes to focusing on increasing your score. We will focus more on leg work like squats and lunges to build up leg strength and of course we will always be focusing on core, which helps with everything!
What is the test?
Without leaning on anything, lower yourself to a seated position on the floor with your legs crossed. Then keeping your legs crossed at the ankles, stand back up.
Maximum score is a 10. You get 5 points for going from standing to sitting without using your hands or taking a knee and 5 points for standing back up without hands or going to a knee.
Deduct 1 point each time you use a hand, forearm, knee or side of your leg to support yourself.
Deduct 1/2 a point if you are unsteady while performing the test.
This is a VERY tough exercise.
Homework:
Try the test this week and score yourself.
Do 3 sets of 10 Squats daily all month long.
Re-test yourself at the end of the month. If you stick to it, I think you will be surprised at how much you can improve your score.
Let’s do this!
I’ve also provided a video from YouTube WeBeFit.com to show you how to perform the exercise.