Push-ups by age: Here’s how many you should be able to do

Push-ups are a classic exercise that can provide valuable insights into your muscular strength and endurance. Recently, “FOX & Friends” hosted a push-up challenge, inviting viewers to showcase their push-up skills. Hosts Lawrence Jones and Brian Kilmeade also took part in the challenge, successfully meeting their age-specific goals.

Regis Pagett, founder of R Personal Fitness in New York City, highlighted the significance of push-ups as a measure of fitness. According to Mayo Clinic data, here’s a breakdown of the minimum number of push-ups men and women should be able to do based on age:

– In their 30s, women should aim for at least 19 push-ups, while men should target 21.
– For those in their 40s, the goal is 14 push-ups for women and 16 for men.
– People in their 50s should aim for 10 push-ups (women) and 12 push-ups (men).
– Individuals in their 60s should strive to do at least 10 push-ups.

Aside from being a fitness benchmark, push-ups offer various benefits. They can help increase bone density, especially crucial as we age. Pagett emphasized that exercises with high resistance, like push-ups, play a vital role in enhancing bone health.

Push-ups primarily work the pectoral muscles (chest) while engaging the triceps as secondary muscles. The core muscles (abdominals) provide stability throughout the movement. Strength in these areas translates to everyday activities and is essential for maintaining functional independence.

A Harvard study revealed a compelling link between push-up ability and cardiovascular health. Men aged 50 who could perform 40 or more push-ups had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who could do fewer than 10 push-ups.

For those looking to build up their push-up capacity, Pagett suggests starting with modified versions like knee push-ups or negative push-ups. Incline push-ups using an elevated surface can also help progress towards full push-ups. Incorporating chest press, chest fly, and tricep extension exercises can complement push-up training.

In conclusion, push-ups are a versatile exercise that offers a multitude of health benefits. Whether you’re aiming to improve your fitness level or safeguard your heart health, incorporating push-ups into your workout routine can yield significant rewards. So, lace up your sneakers, hit the gym floor, and start pushing yourself to new fitness heights.