Self-Evaluation
Are you fit enough to begin an exercise program? The truth is, some people, especially seniors, lack the range of motion, strength and flexibility to exercise. It’s especially true for those just starting out.
The following questions can help you measure your personal fitness when considering an exercise program.
1. Can you walk 50 feet in 12 seconds? This benchmark is a good indicator of the ability to walk for exercise. If you can’t, it’s time to think about ways to get moving.
2. Can you walk 400 meters (a little less than a quarter mile) in just over five minutes? For endurance, the threshold is walking 400 meters or about one lap around a high-school track.
3. Can you stand up from a chair five times in 11 seconds or less? This is a way to assess lower body strength needed for numerous tasks such as climbing stairs, walking, getting out of a chair or car, picking something up off the floor, getting off the toilet, or stepping out of a tub.
4. Can you walk 10,000 steps a day? If you can achieve this benchmark, good for you. Studies have shown that it can help protect people from osteoarthritis and from developing mobility problems.
5. Can you stand still with one foot directly in front of the other for 10 seconds without tipping over? If you didn’t sway or step out, great. Practice more complicated moves by continuing to take ten steps in a straight line without losing your balance. Click here to read more about balance.

Kind Words from our Clients
Julia Nelson
- Julia Nelson, CA Licensed Professional Fiduciary
D.P.
- D.P.
Beth Trainer
- Beth (from Facebook Reviews)
Ethel
- Ethel
Elena
- Elena, Teacher
Ellie Trope
- Ellie Trope (from Facebook Reviews)
Jill M. Brink
- Jill M. Brink, Ph.D, Geriatric Care Management, Aging Interventions
- Jill M. Brink, Ph.D, Geriatric Care Management, Aging Interventions
Debbi, Trainer
- Debbi, Trainer with Lori Michiel Fitness
Ms. Dailey
Lori, I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have found you. What a gift your work is to the senior community.
- Ms. Dailey
Rhonda Davidson-Schachter
- Rhonda Davidson-Schachter (from Facebook Reviews)
Sheri L.
- Sheri L.
- Sheri L.
Grace
Thank you so much for your patience, persistence and passion in serving clients like my mother. You and Kim are amazing.
Blessings, Grace
Nancy
- Nancy
B
Thank you! Linda is proof that the right medication plus the right exercise can create miracles!
- B
Mary
Lori's principles of dynamic stretching revolutionized the way I approach stretching. I've seen a great increase in flexibility and have even built additional strength using her techniques.
- Mary
- Mary
Steven A. Vasilev
- Steven A. Vasilev MD MBA FACOG FACS FACN ABIHM ABOIM
Mary
- Mary
Miriam Brauner
Now I can walk better. Also before I was going up the stairs one step at the time. Now I can go up and down by holding from both rails without a problem. I can go up 120 steps and more.
I continue doing all the exercises and they have given me more strength in all my body.
There aren't any words to say how much Lori and her trainer, therapist changed my life forever. Until today, I do the exercises they taught me.
I will thank them forever.
They changed my life. They can change your life too.
- Miriam Brauner
Rolanda
– Rolanda
– Rolanda
Deb
- Deb
Tammy
- Tammy
TomMac
I am glad that you had the chance to see how I have prospered under the tutelage of your trainer. She has been such a genuine part of my recovery and has become a wonderful friend.
To the both of you, I say take a bow for a job well done.
Love ❤️
TomMac
Jackie
– Jackie
– Jackie
Tristan
- Tristan
Ann
Gratefully,
Ann
Mary-Austin
We are grateful for your help in getting her to this place and sustaining it.
- Mary-Austin
Scott
- Scott
Jersey John
Lori,
You're amazing...you can pivot in a moment's flash... if you could bottle that productivity and sell it to seniors you could buy California, despite the fact that you already help many people and make their lives better!! Stay YOU!!!
Love, Jersey John
Judi G.
Lori and her team provide personal training for my elderly mother who has Alzheimer's and dementia, as part of her overall care. They customized a program addressing her needs, including balance and mobility. She really likes her two trainers and looks forward to her sessions. I highly recommend Lori Michiel Fitness!
- Judi G.
- Judi G.
Deb
My struggle area right now, Lori!
You are such a blessing and like your sign in the video in the background, I do 'give thanks' for you and your dedication to all of us who are trying to do the best we can with our bodies...no matter where we are and at what stage of health we are in!
Love your heart to serve, my friend!
- Deb M.
Kimberly
- Kimberly, Personal Assistant
Pamela
Warm hugs,
Pamela
Pam
I am very thankful for finding you and for your willingness to work with me! You are a wonderful person and I appreciate you very much.
- Pam
- Pam
JL
- JL
Susan M.
- Susan M.