How can I evaluate my current fitness level.

Take a look at the thread titled 2007 Measurable Fitness Goals in the General Fitness forum to see how several members here have made their own evaluation.

[tim_mcf]

Push press it or jerk it.

If you can't do pistols, that's indicative of a lack in balance and coordination. If you can squat that heavy you have plenty of strength to do pistols, so the deficit is in another area.

You asked for a broad definition of fitness. This is actually a very professionally compiled list, made by very respected people in the field. I fail to see how you can describe it as "one-sided" when the list includes things as diverse as squats, rope climbs, 400m runs, handstand holds, l-sits, power cleans, and so on. The list asks for a pretty darn wide range of movements at heavy weights and fast times.

[badblood]

I know that the definition of fitness might be somewhat vague. I'm talking about the general meaning, involving all the aspects (such as strength, speed, balance and flexibility).

I have been putting lifting weights ahead of my flexibility and cardio, I don't need to tie myself in knots or run 20k to be in good shape, but I feel like I'm below the average gym rat in those two categories, I also have terrible balance and don't function well on a uni-lateral level.

How can I evaluate my level of fitness in order to know what to improve? Are there any standards (or semi-standards) out there that I could use as a starting point?

[tim_mcf]

How about this:

Level 4 : CrossFit Seattle

[badblood]

Looks good, but seems fairly one sided and not professionally compiled.

Also, I'm supposed to overhead squat my bodyweight? How am I supposed to get the weight up there when the military press benchmark is set at 3/4 bodyweight?

Also, I can easily squat 1.5 x bodyweight but can't do a single pistol, what exactly is the problem here?

[sooner_ed]

Originally Posted by badblood

I know that the definition of fitness might be somewhat vague. I'm talking about the general meaning, involving all the aspects (such as strength, speed, balance and flexibility).

I have been putting lifting weights ahead of my flexibility and cardio, I don't need to tie myself in knots or run 20k to be in good shape, but I feel like I'm below the average gym rat in those two categories, I also have terrible balance and don't function well on a uni-lateral level.

How can I evaluate my level of fitness in order to know what to improve? Are there any standards (or semi-standards) out there that I could use as a starting point?

Seems to me your definition of fitness is in conflict with your thoughts and beliefs.

You define fitness as strength, speed, balance and flexibility, but then you go on to say you don't need to tie yourself in knots or run 20K to be in good shape. If you're putting weights ahead of flexibility and cardio, then it stands to reason you will be "below the average gym rat in those two categories."

There is no one standard benchmark to measure yourself against when evaluating your level of fitness. You can only measure yourself against yourself.

I would suggest finding a way to evaluate:

1. Strength
Most people like to use the bench press to do this. Perhaps push-ups would be a good alternative to measure your strength. If so, see how many good-form push-ups you can do in two minutes. Now you have your strength benchmark.

2. Speed
Sounds like you need to use running as your benchmark. Now decide on a distance. 220, 440, 880, 1 mile? Speed over what distance? Then run that distance as fast as you can. Now you have your speed benchmark.

3. Balance
Heck, I don't know what you could use for a "balance" benchmark. Perhaps someone else can chime in on that.

4. Flexibility
Sit down with your feet in front of you. Reach your fingers as far in front of you as they will go and measure the distance you can stretch. Now you have your flexibility benchmark.

Now that you have your benchmarks for how you have defined fitness, work on each goal individually in your workouts.

Lifting weights will help your strength. Running will help your speed (speedwork specifically, but you need a well rounded running program). Stretching will help your flexibility. Someone else can help you with a balance suggestion.

Now, evaluate your fitness level against YOUR benchmarks, not someone else's. Strive for improvement in all areas, not just one or two.

That's just my opinion.

[badblood]

The second sentence you quoted is contains extreme cases, which is something only elite athletes would need, it's kinda like saying I need to squat 600lbs to be considered "strong".

[sooner_ed]

Originally Posted by badblood

The second sentence you quoted is contains extreme cases, which is something only elite athletes would need, it's kinda like saying I need to squat 600lbs to be considered "strong".

second sentence?