Take the test: Are you as fit as you should be for your age?

Are you as fit as you should be for your age? Photo / Getty Images

According to Virgin Active's latest research, 52% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 would rather look slim and toned in their holiday photos than be fit enough to run a marathon.

According to the The Telegraph, those under 25 claimed that "looking good" was the main reason that they worked out.

It's not until we hit our mid-thirties that the majority of us are more motivated to hit the gym for our health.

At the other end of the age-spectrum, those over 55 years tend to spend more time working up a sweat, exercising for around 4.8 hours a week compared to the national average of 4.3.

However, it's not just about the amount of time spent in the gym. Too many of us focus on one type of exercise, such as a weekly run or spin class, rather than having a varied exercise routine that covers strength, stamina and mobility.

"Exercise won't just help keep you slim, it's also an important step to fighting the effect of ageing and improving your mental and physical," says Tim Wright, fitness expert and the man behind Virgin Active's latest service, Beyond Movement, which incorporates Pilates, sports massage and physiotherapy to ensure you are fit and healthy for your age.

"Working out regularly has multiple health benefits at any age but becomes increasingly important as we get older."

But just how 'fit' should we be at our age? Wright has devised a checklist for each generation. While press-ups and burpees are important, the list proves that it takes more than just cardio to be defined as 'fit'...