Muscular Endurance Norms (Push-Up / Curl-Up)
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Age- and sex-specific reference tables turn a raw push-up or curl-up count into a category (needs improvement → excellent); counts decline with age and differ by sex/protocol.
Detail
Muscular-endurance test counts are interpreted against age- and sex-specific norm tables (ACSM / CSEP). Because the protocol affects the count (full vs. modified push-up; cadence vs. max curl-up), norms only apply to the matching protocol.
Illustrative push-up norms (ACSM, "good"/above-average bands; men full push-up, women modified): (use current ACSM/CPAFLA tables for exact cutoffs)
| Age | Men (above avg ≈) | Women (above avg ≈) |
|---|---|---|
| 20–29 | ~29–35+ | ~21–29+ |
| 30–39 | ~22–29+ | ~20–26+ |
| 40–49 | ~17–21+ | ~15–23+ |
| 50–59 | ~13–20+ | ~11–20+ |
| 60–69 | ~11–17+ | ~12–16+ |
Curl-up norms (cadence protocol, typically capped at 25 or 75) and YMCA bench-press norms each have their own age/sex tables. General pattern: counts decline with age, and men average more push-ups (women's modified push-up norms aren't directly comparable to men's full push-up).
Use: match the table to the exact protocol used, report the category and percentile, and re-test identically; treat single-rep differences as within measurement noise.
Key facts
- Norms are age-, sex-, and protocol-specific; don't mix protocols.
- Push-up counts decline with age; men's full-push-up norms ≠ women's modified-push-up norms.
- Curl-up and YMCA bench-press tests each have their own tables.
- Use current ACSM/CPAFLA tables for exact cutoffs (flagged); report category + percentile.
Connections
- Push-Up Test (Muscular Endurance) / Curl-Up (Crunch) Test / YMCA Bench Press Test — the tests being normed.
- Plank Hold Test (Core Endurance) — uses guidance benchmarks rather than a single official table.
- Interpreting Assessment Results — category → action.
Sources
Keep this lesson, or ask how it applies to you.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.