Revealed: How Many Pushups Can the Average Person Do?

Revealed: How Many Pushups Can the Average Person Do?

Pushups are one of the most popular exercises in the world, and for good reason. They are a great way to strengthen your chest, arms, shoulders, and core muscles. But have you ever wondered how many pushups the average person can do? In this article, we will reveal the answer and discuss the factors that contribute to pushup performance.

Pushup Basics

First, let’s review the basics of pushups. The standard pushup involves placing your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor, with your feet together and your body in a straight line from head to heels. From this position, you lower your body until your chest touches the floor, then push yourself back up to the starting position.

The Average Pushup Performance

So, how many pushups can the average person do? According to a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), men can perform an average of 23 pushups in a single set, while women can do an average of 10.

It’s worth noting that these numbers represent the average performance for individuals who are active and in good health. For those who lead sedentary lifestyles, the numbers are likely to be lower. Additionally, older individuals, especially those over the age of 60, may find it more challenging to perform a high number of pushups.

Factors That Affect Pushup Performance

Several factors can impact how many pushups a person can do. These include:

– Strength: Obviously, having strong chest, arm, and core muscles is essential for performing pushups. Regular strength training can help improve pushup performance over time.
– Body weight: The heavier a person is, the more challenging it can be to lift their bodyweight during a pushup. This can make pushups more difficult for larger individuals.
– Age: As mentioned earlier, age can impact pushup performance. Older individuals may have less upper body strength and may find pushups harder to perform.
– Fitness level: People who are more physically fit are likely to perform better on pushups than those who are less so.
– Technique: Using proper pushup form can help improve performance and prevent injury. Common mistakes, such as letting your hips sag or allowing your elbows to flare out, can make pushups more difficult.

Improving Pushup Performance

If you want to improve your pushup performance, there are several things you can do. These include:

– Practicing regularly: The more pushups you do, the better you’ll get at them. Aim to do a few sets of pushups several times per week.
– Varying your routine: Mix up your pushup routine by doing different variations, such as diamond pushups or incline pushups. This can help challenge your muscles in new ways and prevent boredom.
– Strengthening your core: A strong core is essential for proper pushup form and can help you perform more reps. Add exercises like planks and Russian twists to your routine to strengthen your core.
– Losing weight: If you’re carrying excess body weight, losing some pounds can make pushups easier to perform.
– Seeing a trainer: A personal trainer can help you perfect your pushup form and create a tailored workout plan to improve your strength overall.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the average person can perform around 23 pushups in a single set, according to research. However, there are several factors that can impact pushup performance, including age, body weight, and fitness level. If you want to improve your pushup performance, aim to practice regularly, vary your routine, and strengthen your core. And remember, everyone’s pushup performance is unique, so don’t compare yourself to others and focus on improving at your own pace.