Fitness Testing

Fitness Testing > Tests > Strength > Push Up

President's Challenge Push-Up Test

The push up test measures upper body strength and endurance. In this test, the maximum number of push up performed at a rate of one every three seconds is recorded. The following information describes the procedures as used in the President's Challenge Fitness Awards and the Connecticut Physical Fitness Test.

• equipment required: floor mat, metronome (or audio tape, clapping, drums)
• 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 (1.5 seconds down and 1.5 seconds up). The subject continues until 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 push up videos for some examples)

• variations: the alternative test to this push up test for the President's Challenge is the pull-up or flexed arm hang.
• scoring: Record the number of correctly completed push-ups that were performed in rhythm.
• target population: sports in which upper body strength is important
• 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

• Read about the general Push Up Test - with links to other variations such as a Simple Push-Up Test that can be done at home, push ups as performed in the US Army physical fitness test and push ups as performed in the US Navy PRT.
• see video of push up fitness tests
• about the President's Challenge Fitness Awards and the Connecticut Physical Fitness Test
• alternative test for the President's Challenge: pull-up
• World Records for Push Ups
• list of other strength tests