How Many Sit Ups Should You Be Able to Do?

BOXROX recently revisited a long-standing fitness question: how many sit-ups should you be able to do? The article emphasizes that there isn’t a universal benchmark. Sit-up counts vary with age, sex, training history, and daily condition, and the piece reframes the test as a personal endurance target rather than a fixed number. It also notes that sit-ups are just one snapshot of core strength, not a comprehensive measure of overall fitness. Original source: BOXROX.

Why it matters for push-ups

Core endurance and stable pelvis control underpin good push-up form. A strong core helps maintain a straight line from head to heels, reduces wobble at the hips, and supports breathing through longer sets. Because sit-ups emphasize a hinge pattern and hip flexor demand, it makes sense to use a broader set of checks to gauge core fitness that transfers to push-ups: planks, dead bugs, and anti-extension holds. The practical takeaway is to treat core fitness as personal and progressive, not a single-number target.

PUSHapp take

From our perspective, the goal isn’t to chase a universal sit-up number. It’s to build a sustainable core routine that directly supports push-ups. Start by establishing a personal baseline and then add safe, transferable core work that improves balance, tucks the pelvis, and maintains a solid spine during pressing movements.

Try this

• Establish a baseline: test a front plank with proper form for as long as you can, aiming for a clear, controlled hold (time to log and track progress).
• Add core progressions: include dead bugs and side planks twice a week to build anti-rotation and stability.
• Pair with push-ups: on push-up days, keep your core tight and brace through the set, aiming to maintain a straight line rather than rushing reps.

Source: BOXROX.

1 min read.

Source: BOXROX. PUSHapp commentary is original and based on the public RSS summary.