Bhagyashree shares fitness checks that reveal your ‘real age’; says, ‘90% of people fail’

Actor Bhagyashree recently shared her thoughts on measuring the "real age" of the body through fitness tests, stating that 90% of people fail this simple assessment. In a video posted to Instagram, the actress and nutritionist demonstrated a series of exercises aimed at testing balance, flexibility, shoulder mobility, posture, and breathing mechanics.

Balancing on one leg for 10 seconds was the first test, with a point awarded for completing the challenge. Flexibility was evaluated by attempting to touch one's toes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a comfortable range of motion, particularly in the lower back. The Apley scratch test assessed shoulder mobility, highlighting its relevance to daily activities such as dressing or reaching for objects overhead.

Breathing mechanics were also addressed, with instructions on how to properly engage the diaphragm during respiration to optimize lung capacity and oxygen intake. Bhagyashree underscored the importance of these tests in understanding one's functional age, which may differ from chronological age.

Dr. Vajalla Shravani, a fitness and Pilates expert, explained that simple fitness assessments can provide valuable insights into how well the body is ageing. Functional fitness tests can reveal important aspects of physical health, such as balance, lower-body mobility, and breathing efficiency. She emphasized that these tests, while not a substitute for comprehensive medical evaluations, can serve as effective indicators of an individual's physical well-being as they age.

Dr. Shravani noted that age-related changes, including muscle mass loss, joint mobility decline, connective tissue elasticity reduction, and neuromuscular coordination deterioration, contribute to the decline in balance, flexibility, and mobility. Prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity exacerbate these age-related declines, making everyday tasks increasingly challenging.

Poor balance increases the risk of falls, while restricted mobility can lead to chronic pain and movement compensation patterns that elevate injury risk. Inefficient diaphragmatic breathing can reduce endurance, increase fatigue, and negatively impact overall physical performance and stress management.

Dr. Shravani provided guidance on improving mobility, balance, flexibility, and breathing after the age of 40. Effective balance exercises include single-leg stands, tandem walking, and controlled stability exercises. Dynamic stretching, joint mobility drills, yoga, and strength training performed through a full range of motion can enhance mobility.

Regular stretching routines and movement-based practices like Pilates and yoga are beneficial for improving flexibility. To optimize breathing capacity, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, brisk walking, swimming, and aerobic conditioning are recommended. Lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active throughout the day, prioritizing sleep, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting are also crucial for preserving functional fitness and mitigating age-related decline.