Body Age Calculator

Remember being a teenager and taking those quizzes in Seventeen - or better yet - the once a year quiz only book we used to do at sleepovers? Well, we've graduated into the quiz world of how old is your body? Fun, eh? I just took this quiz and I am officially 29 - if that keeps up, I'm just going to say I'm 29 from now on - my 31st birthday won't even matter because in actuality, my body is only 29, so kiss it! Here's the quiz - there are 2 parts, so read carefully. Yes, I got confused when I glanced it over until I actually took it. Maybe my mind is super old.

PART 1
Answer each line sequentially, adding or subtracting from your age based on your results. Then proceed to PART 2.

1. Write in your current age.

2. Divide your hip measurement (in inches) by your waist measurement (in inches).

• Less than .816 +4 years
• .816 or higher do nothing

Write your new age:

3. Take your pulse for 10 seconds and multiply by 6.

• 54 to 59 -4 years
• 60 to 64 -2 years
• 65 to 72 -1 year
• 73 to 76 +2 years
• 77 to 82+ +4 years

Write your new age:

4. Sit on the floor with your back straight, legs together and arms out in front of you at shoulder level. Mark on the floor (beside your legs) the point directly below your fingertips, then reach forward, keeping your legs straight. Mark where your fingertips reach, then measure the distance between the two marks (in inches) - remember this from high school?

• 0 to 10 inches +3 years
• 10.1 to 15 +2 years
• 15.1 to 16 -2 years
• 16.1 to 19+ -3 years

Write your new age:

5. Do as many modified pushups (on your knees) as you can without stopping, keeping your body in a straight line and lowering your chest within 4 inches of the floor.

• 0 to 4 reps +2 years
• 5-24 reps +1 year
• 25-39 reps -1 year
• 40+ reps -2 years

Write your new age:

6. Do a wall sit for as long as you can.

• 0 to 30 seconds +2 years
• 31 to 60 sec +1 year
• 61 to 90 sec -1 year
• 91+ seconds -2 years

Write your new age: This is your adjusted age for PART 1

PART 2

Fill in your answers, then add up the points and see your results.

A. I typically eat ____ times a day (including snacks):

• two = 1
• three = 2
• four = 3
• five = 4

B. I eat high-fat or fried snacks ____________:

• regularly (7 or more times a week) = 1
• sometimes (4-6 times a week) = 2
• rarely (0-3 times a week) = 3
• never = 4 (and you're a liar!!)

C. I eat meals or snacks that include fruits or vegetables _________:

• never = 1
• rarely (1-5 times a week) = 2
• sometimes (6-9 times a week) = 3
• regularly (10 or more times a week) = 4

D. I _______________ avoid processed foods that contain trans fat, saturated fat, and large amounts of sodium, nitrates and sugar (so essentially you eat cardboard):

• never = 1
• rarely (it doesn't alter my buying or eating habits - and my kind of person) = 2
• sometimes (I try to buy and eat the right things, but sometimes I slip) = 3
• almost always (I purposely avoid buying or eating foods that contain these things) = 4

E. Add all the points and follow the chart below:

• 0-9 points = +3 years
• 10-12 points = +2 years
• 13-15 points = -2 years
• 16-17 points = -3 years

Write your adjusted age from PART 1:

Add or subtract years based on the above chart from PART 2:

Final Age:

RESULTS:

I'M OLDER THAN MY ACTUAL AGE:

The silver lining: small tweaks will make a big difference.

Move your butt! In activity can raise your resting heart rate over time (one of my problems). The right exercise plan can decrease it. "The main thing is to get your body moving for longer periods of time," says Kadi Stine, "even if that means just walking at a brisk pace." Add 30 to 45 minutes of any type of cardio to your routine at least 3 times a week.

Stretch often. Evidence suggests that stretching may help the inner linings of your blood vessels to produce nitric oxide, which causes the vessels to relax, increasing blood flow and reducing risk of blood clots, says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D. This triggers a series of rejuvenating events, helping your muscles and organs operate with less stress on your body (read: it slows premature aging). Start each day with 3 to 5 stretches held for 30-60 seconds each.

I'M THE SAME AS MY ACTUAL AGE:

Peel off a few years by adopting these changes.

Maintain muscle. Women tend to lose more type-II (strength oriented) muscle fibers than type-I (endurance oriented), so resistance training is key for maintaining and restoring muscle mass. Up to 3 days a week, do a strength workout (2 or 3 sets of at least 6 moves), paying attention to your lower half: Muscle atrophy is more significant there than in your upper body.

Fight aging with food. Foods such as berries, nuts, and brewed coffee are packed with antioxidants, but a study found that ground cloves are the winner: Just half a teaspoon has more antioxidants than half a cup of blueberries or cranberries. Sprinkle ground cloves into applesauce or your morning cup of coffee.

I'M YOUNGER THAN MY ACTUAL AGE:

Kudos. Stay on track with these tips.

Push your heart harder. High intensity intervals decrease your resting heart rate and improve how your body burns calories. Three times a week, follow this interval workout using cardio of your choice (running, swimming or cycling): after a five-minute warm up, speed up for 30 seconds (effort 8 on scale of 1-10), then recover for 2 minutes (5 out of 10 effort). Continue repeating this pattern working your way up to a 30 minute session. I will not be doing this as it's too darn cold to go running. But I'm here for you - feel free to do this!!

Watch your waist. Literally your waistline weight increases your risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and premature death. How's that for positive?! Cut your risk by swapping refined carbs for whole-grain options.

Try these things and try to get younger by your next birthday. I might have a hard time of it since mine is in a month, but I'll still try!! Best wishes!