Push-Up Showdown: Are You a Fitness Warrior or Just Winning at Napping?

Ever wondered how your push-up game stacks up against your peers? Are you a floor-pounding fitness machine or just really good at taking long breaks between reps? Well, the folks at “FOX & Friends” put this to the test with an on-air push-up challenge, inviting viewers to flex their muscles—literally—and send in their best attempts. The result? A national fitness check-up filled with grunts, sweat, and maybe a few strategically timed snack breaks.

Push-Up Reality Check: Where Do You Stand?

According to the Mayo Clinic, here’s where you should be aiming if you don’t want to be outperformed by your neighbor’s pet dog:

• In your 30s? You should hit at least 21 (men) and 19 (women).
• In your 40s? Aim for 16 (men) and 14 (women).
• In your 50s? Get to at least 12 (men) and 10 (women).
• In your 60s? A solid 10 should keep you in the game.

If you’re reading this and just realized your push-up count is lower than the number of naps you took last week, don’t panic. There’s still hope.

Why Push-Ups Are More Than Just a Torture Method

Push-ups are like the Swiss Army knife of fitness—they do it all. Fitness expert Regis Pagett explains that push-ups don’t just build upper body strength; they keep your bones strong and your core tight. In other words, mastering the push-up could mean fewer struggles getting off the couch after a Netflix binge.

And if longevity is your goal, science is on your side. A Harvard study found that men who can crank out 40 or more push-ups at 50 years old have a 96% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who barely scrape by with 10. Translation: More push-ups, fewer hospital visits.

How to Go from Zero to Hero

If your last encounter with a push-up was in gym class (and it ended with you collapsing dramatically), don’t worry. Here’s how to ease back in without injuring your pride:

1. Start with knee push-ups – No shame in this game; it builds strength without making you feel like a human pancake.
2. Try negative push-ups – Lower yourself sloooowly to the floor. Think of it as a controlled fall with style.
3. Use an incline – Doing push-ups on an elevated surface helps until you’re ready for full-on floor action.
4. Dumbbell chest presses – If push-ups feel like an enemy, start with chest presses and tricep extensions at the gym.

Final Thought: Are You Ready for the Ultimate Push-Up Challenge?

The push-up revolution is here, and now is your time to shine. Whether you’re aiming for 10, 20, or a jaw-dropping 40+, one thing is clear: pushing yourself up is pushing back against aging, weak muscles, and questionable fitness levels.

So, what’s your number? And more importantly, are you about to drop and give us 20—or just drop? The floor is waiting. Literally.