Cooper Test
Are you fit and strong compared to people in your age group?
Do you consider yourself strong, fit and capable? Take the Cooper Test and find out how well you compare to your peers. These tests of strength and endurance give you an objective way to measure your fitness and set goals for the future. The figures in the charts below came from research on 1000s of people, so every time you test yourself, you will have a clear comparison to people your age.
Before you begin, please warm up with a brisk walk or light jog (5-10 min) and a few gentle stretching exercises. Note: Please get clearance from your doctor before taking any strenuous fitness test like the Cooper Test.
Cardio Test Instructions: Go to a 400 meter track (at a school) or measure a distance of 1.5 miles on a flat surface. After warming up, run / walk 1.5 miles at your best effort. When you are finished, compare your results with your age group in the table below.
Note: In recent studies, those in the highest 1/3 of fitness level had the lowest risk of future health concerns, while those in the lowest 1/3 had the highest risk. Find out more about cardio fitness.
Not a runner? You can test your cardio fitness accurately with a one mile walk. Get complete instructions in the Rockport walking test article.
Upper body strength testing
Cooper strength test instructions:
Place a folded towel or cushion (3 inches tall) under your chest. Space your hands shoulder width apart and keep your back straight. Do as many push ups as you can without resting, touching your chest to the cushion each time. When you are finished, see your results in the tables below.
Note: This test is modified for ladies. The push ups are done on your knees. During the push ups, do not lift your rear end in the air. Maintain a straight line through your body--from your head to your knees.
Note: These tests are named for their original founder, Kenneth Cooper, MD, a prominent physician and health researcher who started the Cooper Clinic and founded the Institute for Aerobic Research in Dallas, Texas.
Are you happy with your results?
Health, quality of life and physical fitness all go together. Improving your muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance gives you more opportunities to enjoy life and can reduce your risk for the major chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Start your new exercise program with the help of our free workout plans. Come back to retake the Cooper Test in 3 months to see your improvement.
Related Articles
Rockport Walking Test
This simple test makes it possible for non-athletes to find their VO2 Max. Walk 1 mile for time, and enter your heart rate into the fitness calculator. The better your score, the lower your risk for future health issues.
VO2 Max
Analyze your results from the Cooper Test and the Rockport Walking Test. See the average VO2 Max for your age group and find out how much you need to improve your fitness to lower your health risk significantly.
Abdominal muscle strength
Try the most scientific and accurate abdominal test you can perform at home. (1). For best results, be sure to follow the illustrations and instructions.
Body mass index
Are you obese, overweight, or normal weight? How do you compare with men and women of the same height? Health risk charts are included for your reference.
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