Pushups are a simple and effective measure of muscular strength and endurance, with target counts declining as individuals age.

For men, the recommended pushup counts are 21 at age 35, 16 at 45, 12 at 55, and 10 at 65; for women, the targets are 19, 14, 10, and 10 respectively.

Caroline Beckwith, a fitness director, observes that many participants in her classes struggle with standard pushups and often need to modify them, underscoring the importance of setting realistic fitness goals.

Factors like training history, injuries, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and sleep quality can influence an individual's pushup capability, complicating strict age correlations.

A 2019 study revealed that men who can perform pushups have a 96% lower risk of developing heart conditions, highlighting the health benefits of regular exercise.

In a segment called Daily Duo, participants Jenna and Monica tested their push-up skills and were pleased to achieve half the recommended amount for their age group.

Engaging in regular physical activity significantly reduces the risk of various diseases, including a 29% lower risk of colon cancer and a 38% lower risk of death from heart disease.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, including muscle-strengthening exercises like pushups, especially for older adults.

A proper pushup engages major muscle groups such as the legs, abs, shoulders, back, and arms, making it a comprehensive fitness test.

To perform a pushup correctly, one should start face down, push up until the arms are straight, and lower back down; beginners can modify the exercise by performing it on their knees.

According to the Mayo Clinic, average push-up abilities can vary significantly by age and gender.

Fitness experts caution that the Mayo Clinic's pushup recommendations may be overly optimistic, suggesting that average norms could be lower for women and higher for men with athletic backgrounds.