I was just wondering how to tell if my body is fit and if i'm in shape. I have been working out 5 times or more a week since January, but I don't really know how to tell if I'm pushing myself enough to actually have a "fit" body.
thanks
Les

The phrase "being in shape" or "being fit" does not actually relate entirely to body composition. Normally, being in shape refers to cardiovascular fitness. There are lots of people who are in good cardiovascular shape, but who are looked at as being unhealthy looking or "out of shape" simply because they are not thin as other people. Being fit relates to how fast your body can return to normal function after a set amount of work or exercise is done. The more "in shape" your body is--excluding conditions and diseases prohibitive to normal function--the faster your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate returns to normal after the exercise is concluded.

A stress test from your doctor or exercise physiologist is a good way to determine your level of being in shape from a cardiovascular standpoint. They have computers and reference materials available to calculate your level of fitness.