Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Strength > Push Up
Push-Up Test
This test measures upper body strength and endurance. The following information describes the procedures as used in the President's Challenge Fitness Awards.
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equipment required: floor mat, metronome (or audio tape, clapping, drums)
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description / procedure: Start in the push up position - with the hands and toes touching the floor, the body and legs are in a straight line, feet slightly apart, the arms at shoulder width apart, extended and at a right angles to the body. Keeping the back and knees straight, the subject lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle at the elbows, with the upper arms parallel to the floor. A partner holds their hand at the point of the 90-degree angle so that the subject being tested goes down only until their shoulder touches the partner's hand, then back up. The push-ups are done in time to a metronome or similar device with one complete push-up every three seconds. The subject continues until the they can do no more in rhythm (has not done the last three in rhythm) or has reached the target number of push-ups. (see video)
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modifications: Modifications of this test to make it easier, includes having the knees on the ground or to have the hands resting on a chair. Such modifications may be required when testing people with very weak upper body strength or females. Another modification is just to record the total number of push ups completed in a set time period or at any tempo.
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scoring: Record the number of correctly completed push-ups that were performed in rhythm.
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target population: sports in which upper body strength is important, such as rowing.
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advantages: this test is easy and quick to perform.
- comments: The subjects should be instructed to spend as little time in the starting position beforehand in order to reduce fatigue and increase the number of repetitions. The test is also sometimes called the press up test.
Related Pages
- see also a Simple Push-Up Test that can be done at home
- see video of push up fitness tests
- alternative test for the President's Challenge: pull-up
- push ups as performed in the US Army physical fitness test
- push ups as performed in the US Navy PRT
- World Records for Push Ups
- other speed and power tests
- President's Challenge Fitness Awards.
- why Spider-Man?
