How many push-ups should you be able to do by age? Insights from experts

Understanding the importance of push-ups

Push-ups are more than just a classic exercise; they serve as a vital indicator of muscular strength and endurance as we age. Engaging multiple muscle groups, including the legs, abs, and arms, push-ups are a comprehensive workout that can be done anywhere, making them accessible for everyone. But how many should you be able to do at different stages of life? Experts from the Mayo Clinic have provided some surprising benchmarks that can help you gauge your fitness level.

Push-up benchmarks by age and gender

The Mayo Clinic’s recent study outlines specific push-up targets for men and women, starting from age 25 and extending to 65. For instance, a 25-year-old male should aim for approximately 28 push-ups, while females in the same age bracket should target around 20. As we age, these numbers shift, reflecting the natural decline in muscular strength. By age 35, men should be able to perform 21 push-ups, while women should maintain a count of 19. The numbers continue to decrease, with men expected to do 16 and women 14 by age 45. This trend continues into the 55 and 65 age brackets, where both genders are expected to complete around 10 push-ups.

Realistic expectations and lifestyle factors

While these benchmarks provide a useful guideline, fitness experts caution against taking them as absolute. Personal trainer Natalya Alexeyenko emphasizes the importance of individual lifestyle factors. Many of her clients lead moderate lifestyles and work out only two to three times a week. She suggests that realistic expectations might be lower for women by about three to five repetitions and higher for men with a sports background by five to ten repetitions compared to the Mayo Clinic’s recommendations. This highlights the need for personalized fitness goals based on one’s lifestyle, training frequency, and overall health.

The role of diet and exercise

It’s essential to remember that regular exercise is just one piece of the fitness puzzle. A balanced diet plays a crucial role in overall health and can significantly impact your ability to perform exercises like push-ups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, which includes strength-building exercises like push-ups. Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease and certain cancers.