Push-up test

Push-ups are a good indication of the strength and endurance of the muscles in the upper body. Technically, this test measures muscle endurance rather than sheer strength as it is based on how many reps you can do in a row instead of how much weight you can lift, but it is still a good measure of the strength of the upper body.

Push-ups challenge the chest, shoulder and upper arm muscles and require good core stability.

How to perform the push-up test?

• Lie face down on the floor, with your elbows bent and your palms on the floor, just wider than shoulder width.
• Keep your back straight and push up with your arms until the elbows are fully extended.
• The body must always stay in a straight line when you push yourself up. Your shoulders, your head, your torso and your pelvis come up together.
• Avoid a hose motion where you straighten your arms first and then lift your torso. This is known as a snake movement and is very bad for your back.
• Then lower your body in a straight line until your chin and chest touch the floor.
• Keep your entire body in tension and push back on.
• Do as many push-ups as you can until you need to stop to rest.

How many push-ups could you do?

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