Fitness Tests
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Upper Body Strength

Right-Angle Push-ups

Right-angle push-ups to a 3-second cadence. Reps stop when form breaks or the student fails to keep cadence.

2026 Presidential benchmark

source: whitehouse.gov · 2026-05-08
AgeBoysGirls
699
71414
81717
91818
102220
112720
123120
133921
144021
154221
164424
17+5325

How to administer

  1. 1Hands shoulder-width, body in a straight line from heels to head.
  2. 2Lower until upper arms are parallel to the floor (the arm makes a right angle).
  3. 3Push back up to full extension. That's one rep.
  4. 4Maintain a 3-second cadence (1.5s down, 1.5s up). Use the audio metronome in the app.

Equipment

  • Mat
  • Cadence audio (or app)

Common mistakes to watch for

  • Hips sagging — body must remain in a straight line.
  • Shallow reps — upper arm must reach parallel.
  • Resting in the up position. The cadence keeps the test honest.

Try the calculator

Targets adjust automatically when you change sex or age.

Will my student earn the Award?

Pick a sex and age to see the 2026 Presidential benchmark for each event.

B-10

Age

CoreCurl-ups451 minute · reps
CorePlank119seconds held
CardioOne Mile Run7:57min:sec
Cardio20m Beep Test55laps
Upper BodyRight-Angle Push-ups22reps
Upper BodyPull-ups6reps
Rule: Meet the Presidential benchmark in at least one event in EACH of the three categories to earn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Run this test in your classSee full standards table

Standards captured from whitehouse.gov/fitness on 2026-05-08.

Run this in your classSee full standards table