The APFT is the Army Physical Fitness Test. Soldiers have to take this test twice every year. It is designed to measure a soldier's cardio-respiratory fitness and muscular endurance. The APFT is comprised of three events: push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. You must pass all three components to pass the APFT. You must perform push-ups in a specific manner or you will fail this part of the test.
The Test
For the push-up test, you do as many push-ups as you can, with good form, in two minutes. This event assesses the muscular endurance of the chest, shoulder and triceps muscles. Men and women perform full push-ups for the APFT. Push-ups on your knees are not allowed. The supervisor demonstrates proper form before the test begins. If you do not do the first 10 repetitions correctly, your scorer can stop you and give you pointers on how to correct your mistakes. You then start over. Once you have done more than 10 repetitions, you cannot start over.
Set-Up
Each push-up station is 6 feet wide and 15 feet long. Participants are not allowed to have any equipment on when performing the event. Weight belts or elastic bandages cannot be worn. If the test is conducted outside in cold weather, gloves may be approved by the local commander.
Wear typical workout clothing, such as shorts, t-shirt and running shoes. Basketball or other court shoes are not appropriate. You can perform the push-ups with your palms flat on the ground or on your fists -- whichever is more comfortable for you.
Proper Execution
Start with your hands flat on the ground and your legs extended behind you. Your feet may be together or up to 12 inches apart. Your body should be a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Lower your body as one unit towards the ground by bending your elbows. You must descend to the point that your upper arms are parallel to the ground. Press back up until your arms are fully extended. Keep your body rigid throughout the movement. It must move as one solid unit.
Fine Points
A repetition will not count if you fail to keep your body in a generally straight line or if you do not lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the ground. You can rest during the push-up test, but only in the authorized front-leaning rest position. When your arms are fully extended, you can flex or arch your back. If you flex your back, you cannot do so to the point that most of your weight is on your legs. If this occurs, the test will be terminated. If you rest, you must return to the starting position, and pause for a count before continuing again. You can adjust your feet and hand positions as long as you keep them in contact with the ground.
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