PFT Sit Up Test (Crunches)

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
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.

scoring: 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.

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