Maximum Push-Up Test
The push-up is a common test of upper body strength. This is a variation of the push-up test, in which the participant attempts to do as many push-ups as they can, with no time limit. See more about other push-up tests.
purpose: Push-ups are used to assess the strength and endurance of the upper body muscles in the shoulders, chest, and back of the upper arms (the triceps).
equipment required: floor mat or other flat surface, 4 inch foam cube.
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: The aim of this test is to perform as many push-ups in you can. The starting position is with your arms straight with the elbows locked, body in a straight line, hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart with fingers pointing
forward, and both feet on the floor. A foam block is placed under the chest (located at the costal arch and above the zyphoid bone). The subject lowers their body until they slightly compress the foam cube, and arms are at least parallel to the floor, then pushes up again. The back must be kept straight, and in each extension up, the elbows should lock. Resting is allowed, though only in the up (starting) position.
scoring: The maximum number of correctly performed push-ups is recorded. There are some individuals who can do a lot of consecutive pushups, so it may be appropriate to have a maximum that when it is reached the participant stops the test. See push-up records to see what people are capable of doing.
comments: this test is part of the workplace assessment for Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and possibly other departments too.
Similar Tests
- Chair push-up
- A Simple Push-Up Test that can be done at home.
- push-ups as performed in the US Army physical fitness test.
Related Pages
- General push-up test procedures.
- World Records for Push Ups.
- Other speed and power tests.
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