Army Push Ups: The Ultimate Fitness Test For Soldiers

Army push-ups are a staple of military fitness tests, and for good reason. They require a unique combination of strength, endurance, and technique, making them an excellent indicator of a soldier's overall fitness level. In this article, we'll delve into the world of army push-ups, exploring their history, benefits, and techniques, as well as providing tips for improving your performance.

A Brief History of Army Push-Ups

Army push-ups have been a part of military fitness tests for decades, with the first recorded use dating back to World War II. During this time, push-ups were used as a way to assess a soldier's upper body strength and endurance. Over the years, the technique and standards for performing army push-ups have evolved, but the core principles remain the same.

The Benefits of Army Push-Ups

So, why are army push-ups such an important part of military fitness tests? The answer lies in their ability to assess a soldier's overall fitness level, including:

Upper body strength: Army push-ups require soldiers to engage their chest, shoulders, and triceps, making them an excellent indicator of upper body strength.
Endurance: By performing a high volume of push-ups, soldiers demonstrate their ability to sustain effort over time.
Technique: Proper technique is essential for performing army push-ups, making them an excellent indicator of a soldier's overall fitness technique.

The Proper Technique for Army Push-Ups

So, how do you perform army push-ups? The proper technique involves:

Starting position: Begin in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart.
Lowering phase: Slowly lower your body until your chest nearly touches the ground.
Pausing phase: Pause for a brief moment at the bottom of the movement.
Pushing phase: Push back up to the starting position.

Tips for Improving Your Army Push-Up Performance

So, how can you improve your army push-up performance? Here are some tips to get you started:

Practice proper technique: Make sure you're using the proper technique when performing army push-ups. This will help you avoid injury and get the most out of your workout.
Incorporate variations: Try incorporating different types of push-ups into your workout routine, such as diamond push-ups or decline push-ups.
Increase volume: Gradually increase the number of push-ups you perform over time to improve your endurance.
Focus on upper body strength: Incorporate exercises that target your upper body, such as pull-ups and dumbbell rows.

The Importance of Army Push-Ups in Military Fitness Tests

Army push-ups play a critical role in military fitness tests, serving as a key indicator of a soldier's overall fitness level. By performing army push-ups, soldiers demonstrate their ability to sustain effort over time, engage their upper body strength, and maintain proper technique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Performing Army Push-Ups

When performing army push-ups, there are several common mistakes to avoid, including:

Letting your hips sag: Make sure to keep your hips in line with your shoulders and ankles throughout the movement.
Not lowering yourself enough: Make sure to lower yourself until your chest nearly touches the ground.
Not pausing at the bottom: Make sure to pause for a brief moment at the bottom of the movement.

The Role of Army Push-Ups in Military Training

Army push-ups play a critical role in military training, serving as a key component of many fitness tests and exercises. By incorporating army push-ups into their workout routine, soldiers can improve their overall fitness level, increase their endurance, and enhance their technique.

Conclusion

Army push-ups are a staple of military fitness tests, requiring a unique combination of strength, endurance, and technique. By incorporating army push-ups into your workout routine, you can improve your overall fitness level, increase your endurance, and enhance your technique. Remember to practice proper technique, incorporate variations, and focus on upper body strength to get the most out of your workout.

Gallery of Army Push-Ups

Army Push-Up Image Gallery

FAQs

What is the proper technique for performing army push-ups?

The proper technique for performing army push-ups involves starting in a plank position, lowering yourself until your chest nearly touches the ground, pausing for a brief moment, and then pushing back up to the starting position.

Why are army push-ups important in military fitness tests?

Army push-ups are important in military fitness tests because they require a unique combination of strength, endurance, and technique, making them an excellent indicator of a soldier's overall fitness level.

How can I improve my army push-up performance?

To improve your army push-up performance, focus on practicing proper technique, incorporating variations, and increasing your upper body strength.