As a competitive athlete, and a competitive person in general, I am always interested in finding out how I stack up physically compared to other males, and especially males in my age group. Since many of the guys in my age group have already given up on fitness, it is not hard to shine, so I try to do my comparisons with men many years younger than me.
The best physical fitness test I know of is the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test or PFT as it tests both strength and endurance and it is harder than the Army, Navy or Air Force tests. There are plenty of gym rats that look great, but can they run? Similarly, there are plenty of runners that look great, but do they have any upper body strength?
Here is a calculator you can use to gauge where you are at on the Marine Corps PFT –
The numbers don’t lie. The Marine Corps PFT enables everyone to find out how they compare to others via a combination of a 3 mile run, pull ups or push ups, and planks or crunches.
Even in my 60’s, I have posted a score of 261 out of 300 for the 51+ age group and I continue to try to improve upon that number. A 21 minute flat 3 mile run, 3:45 plank and 10 pull ups is not bad at 62. I believe that I can get to 272 with additional work.
Hats off to all who serve or have served our country!
Here is a calculator you can use to gauge where you are at on the Marine Corps PFT –