The Mayo Clinic has outlined a target number for press-ups that people should be able to do, beginning with 25-year-old men and women,
According to the Clinic, 25-year old men should be able to do 28 press-ups at one time; and women should be able to do 20 – to “show a good fitness level.”
As the age bracket rises to 35 years old, men should be able to perform 21 press-ups, and 19 for women – according to the Mayo Clinic.
By the time we reach 45 years, the Mayo Clinic says men should be able to do 16 press-ups, whilst women should be able to do 14.
As for 55-year-olds, it’s 12 for men, and 10 for women.
And if you were looking forward to a chill retirement, don’t – the Mayo Clinic has got you down to do a grand total of 10 press-ups in one go (for both men and women) up to the age of 65 years.
Don’t beat yourself up too much. Maybe aim for a gentle four to start with.
Summary: Mayo Clinic Press-up Recommendations
| Age | Women: Number of press-ups | Men: Number of press-ups |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 20 | 28 |
| 35 | 19 | 21 |
| 45 | 14 | 16 |
| 55 | 10 | 12 |
| 65 | 10 | 10 |
Other resource
How fit are you? See how you measure up (Mayo Clinic)
These are 6 different types of press-ups (called ‘push-ups’ in the USA).
