How Fit Are You?

Modified Push-ups

What they measure: Strength in the chest, the shoulders, and the triceps.

 Why they're important: "Upper-body strength is essential for all sorts of activities that require lifting and pulling, like carrying heavy bags and opening doors," says Cedric Bryant. "Strength here also helps you maintain healthy posture."

 What you need: Yoga mat or towel, stopwatch or clock with second hand.

 How to do them: Place a yoga mat or a towel on the floor to protect your knees. Get down on all fours and place your hands on the floor, slightly in front of your shoulders, fingers pointing forward. Lift up your feet and cross your ankles. Keeping your abdominal muscles contracted, lower toward the floor until your chest is three inches from the ground; push yourself back up to the starting position. Repeat as many times as you can in 60 seconds.

Your Score: Push-ups*

(Number completed in 1 minute)

 Your Age: 20 to 29
Well above average: 36 or more
Above average: 30 to 35
Average: 23 to 29
Below average: 17 to 22
Well below average: 0 to 16

 Your Age: 30 to 39
Well above average: 31 or more
Above average: 24 to 30
Average: 19 to 23
Below average: 11 to 18
Well below average: 0 to 10

 Your Age: 40 to 49
Well above average: 24 or more
Above average: 18 to 23
Average: 13 to 17
Below average: 6 to 12
Well below average: 0 to 5

 Your Age: 50 to 59
Well above average: 21 or more
Above average: 11 to 20
Average: 7 to 10
Below average: 2 to 6
Well below average: 0 to 4

 Your Age: 60 to 69
Well above average: 15 or more
Above average: 10 to 14
Average: 5 to 9
Below average: 1 to 4
Well below average: 0 to 1

*Based on the Canadian Standardized Test of Fitness Operations Manual, 3rd edition, and used by the American Council on Exercise.