How Many Push-Ups Should You Aim For By Age And Gender?

Experts have revealed the number of push-ups the average person should be able to complete according to their age.

For some, push-ups are a quintessential exercise.

The ability to knock off multiples of the move can imply a balanced strength-to-weight ratio. After all, you cannot be too heavy or weak to perform this classic bodyweight movement that Matthew Solan, Executive Editor of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, called the “perfect exercise” that “engages your body from top to bottom.”

Now, researchers at the Mayo Clinic have provided some numbers as to what constitutes a reasonable number of push-ups based on your age and gender. Specifically, the authors said individuals who can reach these targets demonstrate “a good fitness level.”

While many people will not be able to reach these numbers, the authors say they should be used as targets that you work toward.

“Pushups can help you measure muscular strength and endurance. If you’re starting a fitness program, you can do pushups on your knees. If you can, do classic pushups,” recommend the authors.

Push-ups are a tried-and-tested form of exercise that can build muscle and improve endurance. They can also be done without equipment.

“How many you can do at one time offers a real-time measurement of your strength and muscular endurance and is an easy tool to help you improve… You can do them anywhere and at any time. All you need is your body weight and a few minutes,” says Dr. Edward Phillips, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, per Harvard Health Blog.

If you need some inspiration, look no further than Holly Reese. After suffering from a rare autoimmune disorder for more than a decade that left her struggling to get out of bed, Reese decided to pursue a push-up record as part of her recovery process. Ultimately, under the watchful eye of Guinness World Records, Reese broke the women’s world record by repping out 1,036 push-ups in just 60 minutes.