How Many Pushups Should I Be Able To Do?

Pushups have long since been a measure with which to compare one's strength. 

For example, in the Forces, a recruit is often measured for how many pushups they can do as a way to determine their place in the pecking order. 

Right from school age, children have been tested on physical fitness measures such as the number of situps and pushups they can do in a row. 

As grownups, the ability to do push ups has taken on a whole new meaning - it is no longer just about how many we can do but also about the mental agility required and  the form in which we perform them. 

Proper pushup technique engages multiple large muscle groups in the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core, making it an excellent exercise for overall strength and fitness.

There is no definitive answer to the question of how many pushups one should be able to do, as this depends on many factors such as age, weight, and muscle mass. However, a good estimate is that the average person should be able to do twenty push ups without difficulty. 

Those looking to improve their pushup performance can work up to doing thirty, forty, or even fifty consecutive pushups.

The Advantages of Push-Ups

A lot of people, when asked, would consider pushups as a display of strength but not much else... and that would be WRONG!

Push Ups offer a lot of advantages that other exercises just can’t replicate. Here are some of the key benefits:

• They work a large number of muscles at once.
• They improve strength and endurance.
• They help to tone the body.
• They can be done anywhere, anytime.
• They’re great for improving heart health.
• They help to improve posture.
• They're generally considered full body, low-impact exercises.

Few exercises are as versatile as the good old push-up, so if you’re not including them in your routine, this is your cue to start...

I Can’t Do Even A Single Pushup - Now What?

Don’t worry if you can’t do a single pushup, there are plenty of ways to work up to it. Wall presses are a good place to start - stand facing a wall and place your palms flat against the surface, then press your body against the wall. 

As you get stronger, progress to doing them with your feet elevated on a small step or ledge. When you can do several sets of fifteen wall presses, you’re ready to move on to knee push ups.

Start in the standard pushup position but with your knees touching the ground instead of your feet. 

As you get stronger, gradually move your feet back until you are in the full pushup position.

Essentially, modify as much as you need to to get you started - it will still get you to the right place...

Push-Up Test Norms

The average number of pushups that a person can do hovers around 20, but it ranges significantly depending on the person's age, weight and muscle mass. 

(You can find charts that list the average number of pushups by age group online).

The best person to tell you how many pushups you should be able to do is YOU.

Pay attention to how your body feels and what muscles you are working when you do them. 

If you can do more than 20 pushups without difficulty, increase the number of reps or try a harder variation.

If you find that you can only do a few push ups before tapping out, start with easier variations and build up over time.

No matter your ability level, doing push ups is a great way to improve your overall fitness and strength.

With regular practice, who knows - you might even be able to work your way up to doing 100 consecutive pushups one day?

How To Perform A Better Push-Up

Pushups are a fantastic exercise, but they can also be dangerous if not performed correctly. There are so many different versions out there, designed to focus on certain muscle groups rather than all of them and they are effective.

However, the biggest favour you can do yourself is to ensure that you get the basics right.

Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your pushups and avoiding injury:

• Use proper form - make sure your back is straight, your core is engaged, and your glutes are squeezed.
• Don’t let your hips sag - this puts unnecessary stress on your back.
• Keep your elbows close to your body - this will help engage more muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
• Maintain a slow and controlled tempo - rushing through reps can increase the risk of injury.
• Focus on quality over quantity - it’s better to do fewer, perfect pushups than lots of sloppy ones.
• And lastly... DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE (You're welcome)!

Pushups are a great addition to your workout routine, regardless of your ability level. Just make sure you’re using proper form to avoid injuries and are focusing on quality over quantity. With a little practice, you’ll be able to do more pushups than you ever thought possible!

FAQ's:

Is 50 pushups in a minute good?

That really depends on a lot of different factors such as your age, weight and muscle mass. 

If the average person can do 20 pushups, 50 would be considered very good. However, if you are younger or have more muscle mass, you may be able to do more than 50. 

Also, bear in mind that 50 pushups done badly are never going to match 20 done at a controlled pace, in excellent form and with proper breathing throughout.

Will 100 push ups a day do anything?

Again, this depends on a lot of factors. If you are an experienced fitness enthusiast, then 100 pushups may not be much of a challenge for you. However, if you are just starting out or have limited fitness experience, then doing 100 pushups in one day may be too much and you'll likely end up injuring yourself. Start with easier variations and work your way up over time.

How many pushups is considered fit?

There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone's fitness level is different. However, if you can do more than 20 pushups without difficulty, you are considered fit. 

If you find that you can only do a few push ups before tapping out, start with easier variations and build up over time. 

Pushups are a great way to improve your overall fitness and strength. With regular practice, you should be able to build up that number pretty quickly...

Wrapping up:

So, how many pushups can you do? If it's more than 25, give yourself a pat on the back - you're in great shape!

But don't stop there - keep working on improving your strength and endurance.

Remember, the goal is to be able to do as many pushups as possible so that you can reap all of the benefits that come with this simple exercise.

How many did you end up doing? Let us know in the comments below!