How Fit Are You?

Find out how well you shape up—then get ready for your strongest summer ever.

- Amanda Tarlton

Whether you want to slice some seconds off your timed mile in gym class next fall or simply show off sculpted abs and arms at the beach, getting fit takes focus. And a *lot* of it.

Which is why it’s not so shocking that a whopping 66 percent of girls ages 12 to 15 are considered unfit by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even worse, that number appears to be increasing each year as girls become less and less active.

But here’s the deal: Finding your fitness doesn’t mean spending mega minutes on the elliptical or hitting up boot camp on the daily. It’s about maintaining a well-rounded routine to improve your speed, strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. Sounds complicated, but trust us: You can do it.

And to help you out, we tapped Dr. Robert Huizenga of The Biggest Loser fame for six mini challenges that’ll help you figure out just how fit you are—and help you become faster, better and stronger. Ready? Go!

UPPER BODY STRENGTH

A strong upper body makes all of your everyday activities—carrying your backpack, lugging your textbooks, pushing your baby sister on the swings—more of a breeze than a burden. And if that’s not enough to persuade you to drop and give us 20, consider this: Strong shoulders and a ripped back are awesome accessories to any tank top or off-shoulder sundress.

WE CHALLENGE YOU TO…

See how many pushups you can do (on your toes, not on your knees) until you can’t hold proper form (see girlslife.com/iti). Your goal? At least 10.

BUFF UP YOUR BICEPS AND SHOULDERS.