The Army requires soldiers to participate in the Army Physical Fitness Test at least twice per year. The APFT includes three timed events: push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. This test measures your overall physical fitness. Men in their 40s take the same APFT as those in other age groups, but the standards for each age group differ. Each event is scored on a point system, and to pass, you must score at least 60 points per event for your age group.
Push-Ups
The first event for the APFT is the push-up. Push-ups measure the strength and endurance of your shoulders, chest and triceps. You are given two minutes to complete as many push-ups as you can. To pass this event, men ages 40 to 41 must complete at least 34 push-ups; men 42 to 46 must complete 30 push-ups; and men ages 47 to 49 must complete a minimum of 25 push-ups.
Sit-Ups
The second event you perform, after resting for about a 10 minutes, is the sit-up. Sit-ups measure the strength of your abdominal muscles and hip flexors. You have two minutes to complete the event, during which you must perform as many sit-ups as you can without letting your feet leave the ground or removing your hands from behind your head. To score 60 points, men ages 40 to 41 must complete at least 38 sits-ups; men ages 42 to 46 must complete 32 sit-ups; and men ages 47 to 49 must complete 30 sit-ups.
Two-Mile Run
The final event is the APFT is the two-mile run. This event assesses leg muscle endurance and aerobic fitness. To earn 60 points in this event, men ages 40 to 41 are required to complete the run with a time of 18:18 or less. Men 42 to 46 need a time of 18:42 to pass, and men 47 to 49 must complete the event with a time of 19:30 or less.
Weight Requirements
Along with completing the three-part APFT test, soldiers must meet and maintain certain weight standards. They must weigh right before or right after the APFT test and then compare their weight to the Height for Weight Screening Chart. For example, men over 40, with a height of 71 inches, must weigh a minimum of 136 pounds, but no more than 197 pounds, based on the Army Regulation 600-9. If you do not meet the weight standards on the screening chart, you will then need to be measured for Body Fat Standards. Men over 40 are allowed up to 26 percent body fat. Those exceeding body fat allowances may then be required to enroll in the Army Weight Control Program.
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