Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Strength > Flexed-Arm Hang
Flexed-Arm Hang Test
This test measures upper body strength and endurance. This following describes the procedures as used in the President's Challenge Fitness Awards. See also the flexed arm hang test used for the Marines and the flexed arm hang used for the International Physical Fitness Test.
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equipment required: Stopwatch, Horizontal overhead bar at an adequate height.
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description / procedure: Grasp the overhead bar using either an overhand grip (palms facing away from body) or underhand grip (palms facing toward body). Position the body with the armed flexed and the chin clearing the bar. The chest should be held close to bar with legs hanging straight. The subjects should be assisted to this position. The subject holds this position for as long as possible.
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scoring: The total time is recorded - timing is stopped when student's chin touches or falls below the bar. The type of grip should also be recorded with the results.
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variations: three other procedures for the flexed-arm hang are described on this site, the flexed arm hang test from the International Physical Fitness Test, the Eurofit Bent Arm Hang and also the flexed arm hang test used for the Marines
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advantages: the equipment is readily available, and the test is easy and quick to perform.
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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.
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other comments: Rather than doing a pull-up to start, lift the participant to the starting position. This decreases any extra exertion and may possibly increase the length of time. When repeating the test, ensure that the same grip technique is used each time.
Related Pages
- Flexed Arm Hang test used for the Marine PFT, and the Flexed Arm Hang used for the IPFT
- other strength tests
- President's Challenge Fitness Awards.
- pull-up and push-up upper body strength test
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