STANDARD PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
MEASURES A MAN’S PROGRESS

The Navy Standard Physical Fitness Test consists of five
events designed to test strength, endurance, stamina, and
some degree of agility. More specifically, this fivefold test
is given for the following purposes: (a) To determine the
physical fitness of the men when they arrive for training;
(b) to provide information that will help in adapting the
physical fitness program to the men’s needs; (c) to motivate
the men toward a higher level of physical fitness; (d) to
measure the progress of the men after being in service a
specific length of time; (e) to provide a means of measur-
ing the physical fitness of Navy personnel in one activity
in comparison with the personnel of other activities; and
(f) to determine whether or not the physical fitness pro-
gram is accomplishing its desired results.

Recently there has been a compilation of the average
physical fitness test scores of men when they begin their
training and also when it is concluded. These have been
tabulated in three classifications: (1) Recruit Training Sta-
tions; (2) Service Schools; and (3) V-12 Units. At Recruit
Training Stations the test results from 162,500 men show a
first test average score of 37 and an average score of 46 when
the second test was given. This was an increase of 24 per-
cent. In Service Schools 242,000 men tested had an average
score of 43 on the first test and 49 on the second, for an
increase of 14 percent. In V-12 Units 65,000 men had 45
for a first test average and 59 for the average second test
score. The increase here was 31 percent. (For a score of
100, a man must do 48 squat-thrusts a minute; 205 sit-ups
altogether; 89 push-ups; 127 squat-jumps, and 37 pull-ups.)

For pull-ups 7 feet 9 inches is preferred height of bar. For-
ward grip, as illustrated, is recommended. Performer con-
tinues the exercise as many times as possible.

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Squat-jumps test strength and endurance of muscles of legs.
Action must be continuous throughout. (The five events on
this page are spaced five minutes apart and are preceded by
up to two minutes of calisthenics.)

   
   
  

Squat-thrusts test speed, power, agility, and endurance. Per-
former continues as rapidly as possible for one minute.

Sit-ups measure strength and endurance of abdominal mus-
cles. The movement must be continuous either when touch-
ing deck with back or when leaning forward. Usual cadence
is about one sit-up every two seconds.

Push-ups test strength and endurance of the “pushing mus-
cles’ of arms and shoulder girdle. Performer repeats move-
ment as many times as possible.