PUSH UP GUIDELINES

How much weight are you pressing?

When you perform the full push up you are lifting approximately 75% of your body weight and in the modified push up up position, you are lifting approximately 60% of your body weight.

Normative data for the Push Up Tests

Full body press up

Age	Excellent	Good	Average	Fair	Poor
20 - 29	>54	45 - 54	35 - 44	20 - 34	<20
30 - 39	>44	35 - 44	25 - 34	15 - 24	<15
40 -49	>39	30 - 39	20 - 29	12 - 19	<12
50 - 59	>34	25 - 34	15 - 24	8 - 14	<8
60+	>29	20 - 29	10 - 19	5 - 9	<5

Modified Push Ups

Age	Excellent	Good	Average	Fair	Poor
20 - 29	>48	34 - 38	17 - 33	6 - 16	<6
30 - 39	>39	25 - 39	12 - 24	4 - 11	<4
40 -49	>34	20 - 34	8 - 19	3 - 7	<3
50 - 59	>29	15 - 29	6 - 14	2 - 5	<2
60+	>19	5 - 19	3 - 4	1- 2	<1

Table Reference: McArdle W.D. et al; Essential of Exercise Physiology; 2000

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's upper body strength endurance.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.