Fitness Testing

Flexed Arm Hang Test

This test measures upper body relative strength and endurance. The following describes the procedures as used in the International Physical Fitness Test. See also the flexed arm hang test used for the Marines and as used in the President's Challenge Fitness Awards.

equipment required: Stopwatch, a horizontal bar 4cm in diameter, placed at a height so that participants are unable to touch the ground, ladder.
description / procedure: The participant climbs the ladder to a height so that the chin is level with the bar. Grasp the overhead bar using an overhand grip (palms facing away from body), with the hands at shoulder width apart. On the command, "ready, go," the person removes their feet from the ladder, and timing starts. The participant should attempt to hold this position for as long as possible.

scoring: The total time is seconds is recorded - timing is stopped when the person's chin falls below the level of the bar or the head tilts backward to enable the chin to stay level with the bar.
variations: three other procedures for the flexed arm hang are described on this site, the flexed arm hang test the President's Challenge Fitness Awards, the Eurofit Bent Arm Hang and also the flexed arm hang test used for the Marines. These procedures only vary slightly from that described here.
advantages: the equipment is readily available, and the test is easy and quick to perform.
disadvantages: The body weight of the subject has a great effect on the results of this test. A better test of upper body strength in which body weight is not as important is the push up test.

see the similar Flexed Arm Hang test used for the Marine PFT and the flexed arm hang test used in the President's Challenge Fitness Awards.
other strength tests
More details about the International Physical Fitness Test
similar pull-up and push-up upper body strength tests.