Exploring the Limits: How Many Pushups Can the Average Person Do?

Pushups are classic exercises that have been around for centuries. It’s common to see people do pushups in boot camps, fitness classes, and sports training programs. However, have you ever wondered how many pushups the average person can do? The answer is not as straightforward as you may think. In this article, we’ll delve into the topic to help you understand the factors that affect pushup performance and how you can improve your pushup ability.

Factors That Affect Pushup Performance

Pushups require upper body strength, core stability, and endurance. Therefore, various factors can influence how many pushups you can do. Here are the factors that affect pushup performance:

• Strength: The stronger your upper body and core muscles are, the easier it is to perform pushups. Individuals who regularly participate in strength training programs are likely to perform more pushups than those who don’t.
• Body weight: Pushups require you to lift your entire body weight, so individuals with a higher body weight may find it more challenging to perform pushups than those with a lower body weight.
• Age: As we age, muscle mass decreases, making it more challenging to perform pushups. Therefore, younger individuals may be able to perform more pushups than older individuals.
• Grip: How you place your palms on the ground can affect how many pushups you can do. A wider grip may challenge your chest muscles, while a narrower grip may challenge your triceps.

How Many Pushups Can the Average Person Do?

According to a study published by JAMA Network Open, the average number of pushups that men can perform is 40, while women can perform an average of 21 pushups. However, this doesn’t mean that you should aim to perform 40 or 21 pushups in one go. Remember, the average number is just that – an average.

Additionally, the study found that individuals who can perform more pushups have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who can’t. Therefore, incorporating pushups into your fitness routine can have significant health benefits.

Tips to Improve Your Pushup Ability

The good news is that you can improve your pushup ability with consistent training. Here are some tips to help you increase the number of pushups you can perform:

• Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Start by doing pushups on your knees or against a wall. As you get stronger, progress to doing pushups on your toes.
• Engage your core: A strong core stabilizes your body when doing pushups. Remember to engage your core muscles and keep your back straight throughout the movement.
• Mix up your grip: Experiment with different hand placements to challenge different muscle groups.
• Incorporate variations: You can perform pushup variations such as incline pushups, decline pushups, and diamond pushups to make the exercise more challenging.

Conclusion

The average number of pushups that the average person can do is a good benchmark to determine your pushup ability. However, it’s essential to remember that various factors affect pushup performance, and consistent training is necessary to improve. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can gradually increase the number of pushups you can perform and reap the health benefits of this classic exercise.