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302 Views 2 Replies Latest reply: Jan 9, 2013 5:58 AM by squilky RSS
squilky Pro
squilky
90 posts since
Jul 18, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 8, 2013 8:33 AM

Baseline fitness standard for adults

So last night on the Biggest Loser and again this morning on the Today show, they made reference to a baseline fitness level test for children based on their age. It used things like the mile run, number of situps/pushups in a minute and some flexibility tests to access how fit/unfit a child was. I was curious if there was a similar baseline for adults. Mens Health did something like this a few years back, and the numbers seemed a bit unrealistic. Or maybe I was just really out of shape back then hehe. So Im curious if there is any sort of standard that says a 40 year old adult male should be able to run a mile in under a certain time. And do a certain number of pushups in a minute. 

 

 

MK




Couch to 5k completed: 7/15/2011

USPTO 5K 10/16/2011; 29:14 110/238

Bull Run Festival of Lights 5K 12/31/2011; 31:30 324/683

Primal Mud Run 4/14/2012; 1:29:29

Cody's Crew 5k 9/16/2012 31:15

  • rcuriel Pro
    rcuriel
    178 posts since
    Mar 2, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. Jan 8, 2013 1:47 PM (in response to squilky)
    Baseline fitness standard for adults

    There's the "President's Challenge" Adult Fitness Test.  You'll need to enter data into a web site to see what percentile you're in and those results won't be compared to the "average", but to people who were working out at YMCAs (at least initially).  Your result should be compared to your age group.  I think this is probably as close as you're going to get to what you want.

     

    Ray

  • squilky Pro
    squilky
    90 posts since
    Jul 18, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    2. Jan 9, 2013 5:58 AM (in response to rcuriel)
    Baseline fitness standard for adults

    Thanks Ray,

     

    I found the article online that Mens Health did where they have tests men can do. It's not based on age, height or weight which I find a little unfair. But I think the numbers are pretty accurate.

     

    The first test is a 1 mile run around a track. I believe the presidents test uses a 1.5 mile run, which I believe is the same standard used by the Air Force and Navy. They consider a 10 minute mile or slower unfit, 7-8 minutes is average, 7 minutes fit, and MH fit (Mens Health Fit) anything under 6 minutes.

     

    Second is chinups. They consider 0-3 reps out of shape. 4-7 average, 8 average and anything more than 9 in MH fit.

     

    Third is pushups. less than 20 is unfit, 20-34 is average, 35-49 is fit and 50+ MH fit

     

    Fourth is the verticle jump test. Less that 16 inches is unfit, 16-18 is average, 19-24 is fit, 25+ is MH fit

     

    MK




    Couch to 5k completed: 7/15/2011

    USPTO 5K 10/16/2011; 29:14 110/238

    Bull Run Festival of Lights 5K 12/31/2011; 31:30 324/683

    Primal Mud Run 4/14/2012; 1:29:29

    Cody's Crew 5k 9/16/2012 31:15

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