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Push Up Fitness Test

The push-up fitness test (also called the press-up test) measures upper body strength and endurance. There are many variations of the push-up test, with differences in the placement of the hands, how far to dip, the duration of the test and the method of counting the number of completed push-ups. Here we discuss the general method for the push-up test, and link to specific push-up fitness tests.



possible equipment required: depending on which protocol you use, you will need a floor mat, metronome (or audio tape, clapping, drums), stopwatch, wall, chair.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Perform a standard warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

procedure: A standard push-up begins with the hands and toes touching the floor, the body and legs in a straight line, feet slightly apart, the arms at shoulder-width apart, extended and at a right angle to the body. Keeping the back and knees straight, the subject lowers the body to a predetermined point, to touch the ground or some other object, or until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, then returns back to the starting position with the arms extended. This action is repeated without rest, and the test continues until exhaustion, or until they can do no more in rhythm or have reached the target number of push-ups. See push-up videos for some examples of push-up fitness tests.push-up exercise fitness test

scoring: Record the number of correctly completed push-ups.

variations: Here are just some of the variations as described on this site:

target population: the push-up test is commonly used as a general test of strength. There are some sports in which upper body strength is particularly important.

advantages: this test is easy and quick to perform, usually requiring minimal or inexpensive equipment. Many participants can be tested at once.

List of push-up tests



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We have over 400 fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer. To keep up with the latest in sport science and this website, subscribe to our newsletter. We are also on facebook and twitter.

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