Friday's Fact: Push-Up

Either this fact is going to make you feel really good about yourself or really bad.

I remember with much disdain physical the fitness tests of P.E. class. Pull-ups, sit-ups and push-ups. Ugh! Couldn't we just play kick ball? Turns out those basic calisthenics are a good way to get into shape and a good indicator of what kind of shape you are in.

The typical sit-ups have been ditched by most in the field of fitness in exchange for crunches or balancing poses that work your core. On the other hand, push-ups are still widely regarded as a symbol of good physical fitness. Turns out they are very telling in your overall health. Since all of your muscles are involved in completing a push up it is the best way to tell how strong you are. And since you are lifting your body weight the more you can do at one time can be a good indication of your endurance and stamina as well.

So can you do push ups? How many?

National average says that a 40-year old woman should be able to do 16. That's not a type-o... 1-6... sixteen. A 40-year old man? He should be able to do 27.

There's a Friday Fact to motivate you. Now drop and give me 20!