Muscular strength and endurance: Situp test

The situp test measures the strength and endurance of your abdominal muscles. Here's how to do the test:

• Lie on the floor with knees bent at a 90-degree angle and feet flat on the floor. A partner holds your feet firmly to the floor. Another option is to place your feet on the wall so your knees and hips are bent at a 90-degree angle. Cross your arms across your chest. This is the down position.
• To move into the up position, raise your head and shoulders off the floor. Don't lift your buttocks off the floor.
• Return to the down position.
• Each time you move to the up position is counted as one situp.
• Do as many situps as you can in one minute.

The following counts can generally be considered markers of a good fitness level based on age and sex. If your situp count is below the target number, the target can serve as a general goal to work toward. Counts above the targets can generally mean better fitness. However, pushup count may be a more accurate indicator of your fitness.