PFT sit-up test (Crunches)
The sit-up test is a measure the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles. The aim of this test is to perform as many sit-ups as you can in two minutes. This test forms part of the US Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT), performed by US Marine personnel every six months.
purpose: This test measures the endurance of the abdominal and hip-flexor muscles.
equipment required: flat ground, stopwatch
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, test conditions. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The aim of this test is to perform as many sit-ups as you can in two minutes. The starting position is lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. The arms are folded across and the chest, and must maintain no gap between the forearms and the chest at all times. A second person is permitted to hold the lower legs or ankles. On the command ‘go,’ start the crunch by raising your upper body forward until the elbows or forearms touch the thighs, and then lower the torso until the shoulder blades touch the ground. This is one complete sit up.
the Marine sit up assessment techniquescoring: The maximum number of correctly performed sit ups is recorded. Both male and female Marines are awarded one point for every crunch, and a minimum number is required to pass the test. The minimum requirements is the same for males and females, being 50 for those aged 17-26, 45 for those aged 27-45, and 40 crunches for those 46 and over. See PFT for more information about scoring.
comments: No bouncing or arching of the lower back is allowed, and the buttocks must remain in constant contact with the floor throughout the test. Resting during the exercise is permitted in either the up or the down position.
The Test in Action
- This test forms part of the US Marine Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Similar Tests
- The APFT sit-up test procedure
- General Abdominal Endurance Test description
- The Navy PRT sit-up test
- Simple sit-up test that you can do at home
- The Eurofit 30 seconds sit-up test
- The Presidents Challenge sit-up test
Related Pages
- About Abdominal Testing
- PFT testing discussion and scoring
- Videos of Sit Up Fitness Tests
- Other speed and power tests, all fitness test list
- Sit up exercise at the beach or at home
- Sit Up World Records
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events