Meet strength training, your not-so-secret weapon against aging. It's not just some fad we're pushing, but a PhD-backed sound advice. Think about it, you've mastered the art of life in your fifties, why not conquer bodily strength too? Dr. Melissa Leber, an Associate Professor of Orthopedics and Emergency Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine, reiterates how crucial strength training becomes as you age, even outperforming cardio. Beyond aesthetics, it's about keeping those bones and muscles strong enough to resist age-related decline, because you've got things to do, people to see, and places to conquer!

Ever wondered how strong you actually are? Here's a fun yet brutal reality check for you: five exercises that show the status of your muscle power. Don't fret if you can't master them all at first. Whether you're fifty or fifteen, fitness isn't a sprint but a lifelong marathon. Consider these exercises as the basis for a grander plan.

1. One-Foot Balance
2. Sitting-Rising Test
3. Wall Sit
4. Plank
5. Push-Up

Remember, you're not alone in this battle against age! Starting from your thirties, we all lose roughly 3 to 8 percent muscle per decade. That's our cue to flex a little and lift those dumbbells to fight the loss, improve balance and spatial awareness, and invest in an injury-free like. As a bonus, that increasingly forgetful brain of yours would also appreciate a bit of strength training, with studies linking it to memory improvements. Who said gym rats aren't smart?

For those ready to go beyond age as we know it, remember, safety is key. Give your doctor a heads up before starting. And while working out may feel like war, remember you are your body's ally. Don't rush into it. Gradually increase the weight and frequency of your exercises. Recruiting a fitness professional to guide you is recommended, because form matters as much as function.

So, roll up your sleeves, strap on your badass belt, and get ready to crush the golden years. Fitness knows no age limit, and neither do you.