If you want to know how to rile me up quicker than just about anything when you’re talking with me, complete a sentence with “for a woman your age.”
Wow – you look great (for a woman your age)
You’re pretty strong (for a woman your age)
You did an awesome job on that race (for a woman your age)
You sure do have a lot of energy (for a woman your age)
You get my drift, right?
Turns out that “for a woman your age” is a real thing. I read this article and found it interesting. To sum up:
In your 20s you should be able to…
- Run 5km in 30 minutes
- Do 20 burpees in a row
- Hold a full plank for one minute
In your 30s you should be able to…
- Run a mile in less than 9 minutes
- Hold a plank for 45 seconds
- Deadlift more than 50 percent of your bodyweight
In your 40s you should be able to…
- Sprint for 60 seconds without stopping
- Do 10 press-ups without stopping
- Touch your toes comfortably with straight legs
In your 50s you should be able to…
- Run at a moderate pace for 60 seconds without stopping
- Do five burpees without stopping
- Lower yourself into a cross-legged position on the floor without using your hands, and then return to standing
In your 60s you should be able to…
- Regularly take more than 10,000 steps in a day
- Do 12 bodyweight squats without stopping
- Touch your fingertips with one hand over your shoulder and the other behind your back
In your 70s you should be able to…
- Walk a mile in less than 16 minutes
- Climb a flight of stairs with 10 steps in under 30 seconds comfortably
- Rise to stand from a chair without using your hands or arms, and repeat at least 12 times in 30 seconds
Well, what do you know! I’m NOT pretty good “for a woman my age.” I’m pretty good for a woman in her 40s (and possibly her 30s). So go ahead…. tell me what I should be able to do for a woman my age.
What are your thoughts? Do you think this is an accurate portrayal through the generations? Keep in mind, I’m looking at the 80/20 rule – “normal/healthy” people. Whatever normal is!!
