You may already know that the amount of time you can stand on one leg is a pretty good indicator of your health over time (of course, the “ideal” amount of time changes over time).
Well, it turns out the same can be true for push-ups. The “flamingo test” is often used to assess brain health, but push-ups may also check your heart.
in 2019 research published in JAMA NetworkScientists have found that adults who can complete 40 push-ups are 96% less likely to develop heart disease than those who can’t complete 10.
Although this research Because it targeted only men (women scored differently), the paper concluded that this rapid test “may be a useful and objective clinical assessment tool for assessing functional capacity and risk of cardiovascular disease.” “There is,” he suggests.
What should I aim for depending on my age?
According to the medical research institute Mayo Clinicthere are some “good” pushup numbers you should aim to achieve.
They added that even beginners can perform push-ups using their knees.
They describe a “good” push-up rep like this:
- Women: 20 push-ups
- Man: 28 push-ups
- Women: 19 push-ups
- Man: 21 push-ups
- Women: 14 push-ups
- Man: 16 push-ups
- Women: 10 push-ups
- Man: 12 push-ups
- Women: 10 push-ups
- Man: 10 push-ups.
They say this indicates a “good” fitness level.
How do you do push-ups?
Steps listed by Mayo Clinic Lie face down on the floor with your elbows bent and your palms next to your shoulders.
Keeping your back straight, push your arms up until they are straight.
Next, lower your body until your chin touches the floor.
If necessary, you can keep your knees on the ground at this stage, the Mayo Clinic added.
If you are struggling, don’t panic too much. Push-ups can be very taxing, and push-ups are not the only indicator of fitness.
Healthy aging advice Try a “couch pushup” (place your hands on a high surface like a couch) and practice keeping your knees on the ground.
You can also do “wall push-ups” by standing up and “pushing” onto a vertical surface with minimal resistance.
If you have a health problem or experience pain while exercising, consult your doctor before continuing.
