Max-Number Push-Up Test

The push-up fitness test is a measure of upper body strength and endurance. This variation of the push-up test requires the participant to perform the maximum number of push-up as possible. See the general push-up test procedure.

equipment required

A block of foam or some other object is sometimes placed under the chest to standardize how far the chest is lowered.

preparation

The purpose of the push-up test and the test procedures should be fully explained to the participant before starting. Make sure that they have no pre-existing ailments that will affect the test result or will get worse by participating in the test. Record basic information about the subject, such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Get them to perform a warm-up including upper body stretches and swinging of the arms. Explain the push-up technique required and get the participant to practice a few reps so that you can give feedback about what is required.

procedure

Begin in a starting position with the hands placed shoulder width apart, the body straight and up on the toes (see standard push-up technique). Keeping the back and knees straight, the subject lowers the body to a predetermined point (e.g. to touch 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, and the test continues until exhaustion.

scoring

Record the total number of correctly completed push-ups.

 

Resources

• Other Push-Up tests
• Push-Up Records
• Push-Up Test Norms
• Description of the standard push-up technique
• Variations of the Push-Up technique
• Push-Up Equipment

 

---

Reference this Page