Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Strength > PFT Flexed Arm Hang Test
PFT Flexed Arm Hang Test
This test forms part of the US Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), performed by US Marine personnel every six months. The flexed arm hang test is only performed by the female Marines - males perform the pull up test.
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purpose: This test measures upper body strength and endurance.
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equipment required: Stopwatch, horizontal overhead (pull up) bar at an adequate height.
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description / procedure: The starting position is with the chin above the bar, and both feet off the ground. You can reach the starting position by standing on a support, or if necessary assisted by others. The grip can be either with both palms facing forward or to the rear, though with both facing in the same direction. The aim of the test is to hold this position for as long as possible. The timer is started when the Marine is in position, and does no stop until they cannot maintain some degree of flexion at the elbow. The feet may not touch the floor during the test.
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variations: two other procedures for the flexed arm hang are described on this site, the flexed arm hang test from the President's Challenge Fitness Awards, the Eurofit Bent Arm Hang and also the flexed arm hang used for the International Physical Fitness Test.
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scoring: The total time is recorded until the body drops so that the elbows are not flexed at all. Marines are awarded 1 point for every 1 second up to 40 seconds, then 2 points per second. A minimum of 15 seconds is required to pass the test. See PFT for more information about scoring.
Related Pages
- PFT testing discussion and scoring
- other testing procedures for the Flexed Arm Hang Test: the President's Challenge and the International Physical Fitness Test
- the similar pull-up and push-up upper body strength test
- other strength tests
- all fitness test list
