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PFT Pull Up Test
This test forms part of the US Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), performed by US Marine personnel every six months. The pull up test is only performed by the male Marines. Females perform the flexed arm hang test.
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purpose: This test measures upper body strength and endurance.
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equipment required: Horizontal overhead bar, at an adequate height so that the participants can hang from with arms fully extended and feet not touching the floor.
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description / procedure: The pull-ups are performed starting from a dead hang (arms fully extended and locked), body motionless, feet off the floor. The grip can be either with both palms facing forward or to the rear, though with both facing in the same direction. From this starting position, a pull-up is performed without excessive body motion, and the body is lifted until the chin has cleared the top of the bar. The body is then lowered until his arms are fully extended or locked out. One complete pull-up is counted when the Marine's arms are locked out. This procedure is repeated until the Marine has reached the maximum 20 complete pull-ups, or can no longer complete a pull-up.
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scoring: The maximum number of correctly performed pull ups is recorded. Five points for every pull-up is awarded, and at least three are required to pass the test. See PFT for more information about scoring.
- Comments: Grip changes are allowed during the exercises, as long as the Marines feet do not touch the bars or ground, and his hands do not touch the side bars of the pull-up bar. Resting is allowed in the up or down position, but resting with the chin supported by the bar is not allowed. Sweat shirts need to be removed so that the locking of the elbows can be observed. Throughout the test, the legs may be in a straight or bent position, but may not be raised above the waist. Whipping, kicking, kipping of the body or legs, or any leg movement used to assist the pull-up is not allowed.
Related Pages
- PFT testing discussion and scoring
- general testing procedure for the Pull Up Test
- chin up test videos
- other strength tests
- all fitness test list
- World Records for Pull / Chin Ups
