Is correct performance required for the push-up event.

2014-04-21T10:06:16-04:00

I pride myself on my performance of the Army APFT. I always make sure to attempt to achieve correct performace. Afterall, there is only one standard as specified in FM 7-22. Today, my frustrations have reached an all time high. Please can someone tell me what is the standard for the Army push-up is? If the regulation states that you must " raise your entire body until your arms are fully extended, does that not mean you must lock your elbow? If this is correct performance then nothing else should count correct? As leaders if we can't adhere to the standard, how can we have trusted with the responsiblilty of grading to the standard?

Response by SFC Christopher Walker, MAOM, DSL made Apr 21 at 2014 11:59 AM

2014-04-21T11:59:06-04:00

You are correct about the arms must be fully extented. Your elbows don't have to lock out.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Apr 21 at 2014 5:22 PM

2014-04-21T17:22:27-04:00

Chapter 6 of FM 7-22 specifically advises against locking the elbow.

In fact, I cannot find one instance in the manual where locking a joint is recommended in an exercise (but many examples where it is denounced).

Additionally, all elbows are not equal. There are invariably soldiers out there with hypermobile (double jointed) elbows for whom locking the joint would mean going beyond full extension.