Ask 10 experts for their definition of fitness, and you’ll hear 10 different answers. That’s because how you define the word depends on the type of performance you expect. Some athletes need to develop a particular type of fitness over all others—powerlifters at one extreme, marathoners at another—but most of us are at our best when we achieve balanced fitness. In other words, we’re good at everything a healthy, active man needs to be able to do.
On these points the experts agree: You need core stability. You need lower-body strength and power to run, jump, and lift heavy objects off the ground. You need torso strength to lift your own body weight in repeated challenges. And you need enough endurance to run a mile without stopping for defibrillation.
Fitness Test #1: Core Stability 
THE SCORECARD Below average: You can’t hold a basic plank 60 seconds
Average: You go 60 seconds
Above average: You can hold a plank 60 seconds with your feet elevated on a bench
Men's Health Fit: You can hold a plank with your arms extended for 60 seconds
Fitness Test #2: Pushups
THE SCORECARD Below average: Fewer than 15 pushups
Average: 16 to 29 pushups
Above average: 30 to 44 pushups
Men's Health Fit: 45+ pushups
Fitness Test #3: Chinups
THE SCORECARD Below average: Fewer than 3 chinups
Average: 3 to 7 chinups
Above average: 8 to 10 chinups
Men's Health Fit: More than 10 chinups