Even if you haven’t experienced these red flags, let’s not allow your body to get there!

As you age, it’s crucial not to put your fitness on the back burner. Whether you’re dealing with increased family obligations or you’re leading a more sedentary lifestyle, exercise is not an option—it’s necessary for your overall health and well-being. That’s why we’ve put together some telltale signs of poor fitness you should never ignore as you grow older. You’ll be in the know and can address them ASAP.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, staying active can prevent or slow down many health issues that are associated with aging. Individuals who are 65 and up should perform a minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity every week. Or, they can opt for 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity on a weekly basis. Two days of the week should be dedicated to muscle-strengthening activities.

So without further ado, let’s get into these signs of poor fitness you may experience if you’re neglecting your health. Even if you haven’t experienced any of these red flags, let’s not allow your body to get there!

1. You’re winded walking up the stairs

Walking up the stairs should not wear you out. If you’re huffing and puffing after climbing a few flights, then it’s a telltale sign you need to improve your aerobic fitness as soon as possible. Begin going on more walks and working more stairs into your regular routine. This will increase your endurance and help you get in your daily steps.

2. You can’t perform a pushup

The pushup is a basic bodyweight movement you should be able to perform. It’s an upper-body strength and strength endurance test, and if you’re struggling to complete one, then that’s something you’ll need to work on.

Having good muscle mass and strength endurance improves your health big time. Start on an incline, master the form, and build up your strength before progressing down to the floor.

3. You can’t perform a squat or lunge

Just like the pushup, the squat and lunge are basic bodyweight exercises you should be able to do. They demonstrate balance, coordination, and strength in your legs. Being able to sit and stand is also a mortality predictor, so practice the correct form, and make sure you can do it.

4. You get injured easily

Many individuals who neglect their health and fitness tend to get hurt easier, whether you strain your back from picking something up from the ground or injure yourself from a recreational sport. This can be due to a lack of flexibility, in addition to the strength and stability of your muscles and joints. I recommend stretching on a regular basis and strength training to bulletproof your body.

5. You can’t run a mile without stopping

Although you don’t need to be a runner in order to live a fit, healthy lifestyle, you do need an aerobic base. You should be able to run a mile without stopping, which is a very achievable goal for most. Can’t do that yet? Build yourself up with shorter distances until you can!