From the time you entered elementary school and as you continue through life, you may have been asked to perform pullups to measure your strength. As a child during gym class you had to perform pullups. As an adult, you use pullups as an upper body strengthening exercise. The strength of military personnel is measured by the number of pullups they can perform. Others have set world records for their ability to perform the maximum number of pullups.
Fitness Testing
The President's Challenge for physical fitness uses pullups as part of children's fitness measurements. This test measures the maximum number of pullups that can be complete using proper form. When performing a pullup, you begin with your hands on the bar with your palms facing away from your body and your feet pulled off the floor. The President's Challenge does not recommended hanging for any longer than necessary, as hanging requires arm strength and may tire your arms for the pullup. One pullup is counted when you bend your elbows and pull your body up until your chin is above the bar.
Timed Testing
The Navy SEALs have developed a fitness challenge that includes measuring the maximum number of pullups within a specified time limit. The SEALs have combined swimming techniques and strength techniques into a series for physical fitness testing. You have two minutes to perform your maximum number of pullups. Keep in mind that this is after you swim 500 yards, perform two minutes of pushups and two minutes of situps. Pullups are more challenging after you complete other upper body exercises.
Individual
The maximum number of pullups you can perform will depend on your level of strength. Pullups are a multi-joint exercise, as you bend your elbows, and shoulders to perform the movement. Multi-joint exercises develop greater strength, but also require more strength to complete. Your maximum pullup number can be increased over time as you increase the muscle fibers in your arms, chest, back and shoulders. Your muscles will stop contracting when they are worked out close to muscle failure, so your body will let you know when you have reached your maximum.
Records
Pullups have been measured for maximum number performed by one person. The maximum number of pullups completed without removing both hands from the bar is 232. Jan Kares completed these on June 19, 2010. Other maximum pullup records have been made according to time limits. These limits range from one minute to 24 hours.
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