# How many push ups can you do without stopping? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 24, 2012, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474 "2012-01-24T04:02:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/21 "2012-01-24T16:15:36Z")
52 year old male. I do mine on the overturned Bosu ball at the gym so they probably don’t correlate exactly, but I usually do three sets of 60 each during a workout. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/22 "2012-01-24T18:26:37Z")
None. The same number I could do when I was a teenager, and every year before and since. ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/23 "2012-01-24T18:28:43Z")
> [@razncain](#): > > It’s rare that I see correct push-ups, especially further into the count, movements become less and less, some only going up and down a couple of inches, and considering that a push-up. This is what I am thinking. I can’t do many of the higher counts listed here, but dadgummit, I do full and correct pushups the whole way through. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/24 "2012-01-24T20:06:16Z")
> [@KellyCriterion](#): > > What counts as a push up? > > Nose touching the ground? Body kept perfectly straight? Since the link is for the US Army PT test here is the instructions that have to be read before the push up event every time. “The push-up event measures the endurance of the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles. On the command ‘get set,’ assume the front-leaning rest position by placing your hands where they are comfortable for you. Your feet may be together or up to 12 inches apart. When viewed from the side, your body should form a generally straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. On the command ‘go,’ begin the push-up by bending your elbows and lowering your entire body as a single unit until your upper arms are at least parallel to the ground. Then, return to the starting position by raising your entire body until your arms are fully extended. Your body must remain rigid in a generally straight line and move as a unit while performing each repetition. At the end of each repetition, the scorer will state the number of repetitions you have completed correctly. If you fail to keep your body generally straight, to lower your whole body until your upper arms are at least parallel to the ground, or to extend your arms completely, that repetition will not count, and the scorer will repeat the number of the last correctly performed repetition. If you fail to perform the first ten push-ups correctly, the scorer will tell you to go to your knees and will explain to you what your mistakes are. You will then be sent to the end of the line to be retested. After the first 10 push-ups have been performed and counted, however, no restarts are allowed. The test will continue, and any incorrectly performed push-ups will not be counted. An altered, front-leaning rest position is the only authorized rest position. That is, you may sag in the middle or flex your back. When flexing your back, you may bend your knees, but not to such an extent that you are supporting most of your body weight with your legs. If this occurs, your performance will be terminated. You must return to, and pause in, the correct starting position before continuing. If you rest on the ground or raise either hand or foot from the ground, your performance will be terminated. You may reposition your hands and/or feet during the event as long as they remain in contact with the ground at all times. Correct performance is important. You will have two minutes in which to do as many push-ups as you can.” ---
**Author:** ![Lanzy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/74df32/32.png) [@Lanzy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lanzy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/25 "2012-01-24T20:27:04Z")
I am 60, just did 77. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/26 "2012-01-24T20:33:36Z")
> [@Lanzy](#): > > I am 60, just did 77. That’s impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/27 "2012-01-24T20:43:28Z")
I’m 44. Last Sunday I was showing my eight year old son how to do some simple exercises, and I managed to do 30 pushups without a problem using [these push up stands](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-Push-Up-Stands/12546164). I’m guessing my max would be about 40. I’ll try for max later in the week. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/28 "2012-01-24T20:54:07Z")
I’m in the Army and the most I’ve every done on a record PT test was 82 in two minutes but I’ve done over 100 without stopping before right now though I’m out if shape and I had shoulder surgery last June so I couldn’t do that many right now. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/29 "2012-01-24T21:45:34Z")
15 or 18 – not sure precisely. Also, this is with using dumbbells instead of palms flat. My wrists kill me with palms flat. Almost 25, female. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/30 "2012-01-24T22:45:36Z")
35, although I probably don’t quite have perfect form. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/31 "2012-01-24T22:47:11Z")
I used to be able to do 50 military-style pushups easily without pause (when I was in the Navy Reserves and macho about keeping up with the guys) but now…? Twenty-three. Then something started going _ping, fuck, OW_ in my right shoulder. Also the Rottweiler kept sticking his nose in my face trying to figure out what I was doing on the floor. So I stopped but couldn’t have done many more. Female, 53. ---
**Author:** ![Ostrya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/35a633/32.png) [@Ostrya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ostrya)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/32 "2012-01-24T23:25:31Z")
I am 49 and can do 43 marine corp pushups. I was taught not to touch the nose to the ground, but rather the chest should (or at least barely), and one’s head should remain upright and facing forward. Try doing them this way sometime, they work the deltoids and trapezii more, you can really feel it. They are a little harder to do but you get more out of them. > [@chiroptera](#): > > I used to be able to do 50 military-style pushups easily without pause (when I was in the Navy Reserves and macho about keeping up with the guys) but now…? That is excellent that you were able to do that many. I have never been able to do 50 pushups, even when younger. ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/33 "2012-01-24T23:34:57Z")
> [@the lone cashew](#): > > I am 49 and can do 43 marine corp pushups. I was taught not to touch the nose to the ground, but rather the chest should (or at least barely), and one’s head should remain upright and facing forward. Try doing them this way sometime, they work the deltoids and trapezii more, you can really feel it. They are a little harder to do but you get more out of them. > That is excellent that you were able to do that many. I have never been able to do 50 pushups, even when younger. Yes that’s the way I was taught, although female anatomy being what it is, sometimes our chests touch the ground before our nose would ever have the chance. 😃 Face-forward was how I was taught to do them. I think hanging your head down compromises the straight-back form. Or something. I was always able to do lots of push-ups, but pull-ups, no way could I compete with the guys. Pissed me off, but three or four was my absolute limit. I have a lot of upper-body strength for a woman but for some reason I couldn’t do pull-ups to save myself. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/34 "2012-01-25T01:56:43Z")
I do 75 and get up. No point in doing more than that. Would rather save my energy for the run. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/35 "2012-01-25T02:24:31Z")
I can do as many as I want. These days I want to do about 10 and then rest for a bit. ---
**Author:** ![robardin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/43a26b/32.png) [@robardin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robardin)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/36 "2012-01-25T02:31:31Z")
I’m 41 (male) and I can drop and do 40 easily, 45 with effort. 50 if I push myself and strain/pause for the last 5 or so. It’s my elbows that blow out. They creak and pop and after 50 pushups they say, ENOUGH. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/37 "2012-01-25T03:24:09Z")
For decades, I did 25-30 push ups twice a day religiously unless circumstances prevented it. Then I had two shoulder surgeries a few years ago, the damage probably caused – so the doctor told me – by those very push ups. Probably could not do more than a few now, but I don’t dare try. My push-up days are over. ---
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/38 "2012-01-25T03:31:05Z")
About 25 if I don’t cheat. 35yo male ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/39 "2012-01-25T03:53:06Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > [The standards are here.](http://www.apft-standards.com/pushup.html) > > I’m 48 years old; I did the same number as I did right out of High School…29. > > How 'bout you? Well, is it on the Army PFT or “without stopping”? I can do 50 before my first 2-second rest. Then I knock out 4 and rest for 2 seconds. After 4 is hard, I do 2, then only one with 2-second rests in between. BTW, “bend in the back” is soooo much better than “sag in the middle.” My highest score ever recorded was 111 in the 2 minutes. I used to just do the 82 and quit, but that particular morning, I was feeling motivated. Today, I can do exactly 0. My wrist won’t allow me to put any weight on it, even to push up out of bed. > [@Terr](#): > > What are the “points”? How many are you supposed to get and what happens if you’re below the cutoff number of points? You need at least 60 points in each event to pass. Lower scores mean lower points for your promotion boards. Failing the test makes you ineligible for promotion or awards until you pass. > [@KellyCriterion](#): > > What counts as a push up? Your upper am must be parallel to the ground, or your shoulders must come down to your elbows. Same thing. ---
**Author:** ![Renee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/renee/32/287_2.png) [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2012, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-push-ups-can-you-do-without-stopping/610474/40 "2012-01-25T04:54:20Z")
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