Push-Up Standards for a 17-Year-Old Male

How many push-ups should a 17-year-old male be able to do? Use the data below to see where you stand and test your rating.

Below Avg

0-18

Average

19-34

Above Avg

35-54

Elite

55+

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Complete Rating Breakdown

RatingPush-Up RangeDescription
Below Average0-18Room for improvement
Average19-34Meeting basic fitness standards
Above Average35-54Good fitness level
Elite55+Exceptional strength

What to Know About Push-Ups at 17

Teen boys experience rapid strength gains thanks to puberty-driven increases in testosterone and muscle mass. Push-up performance typically improves each year during this period, with many teens doubling their capacity between ages 13 and 17. School fitness tests like the Presidential Fitness Test often use push-ups as a benchmark, making this an ideal time to build foundational upper-body strength. Consistent practice now builds habits and connective tissue resilience that pays dividends for decades.

Tips

  • •Master proper form before adding volume -- a few perfect push-ups beat many sloppy ones.
  • •Include push-ups in a balanced routine that also trains legs, core, and back.
  • •Rest at least one day between push-up sessions to allow growing muscles to recover.
  • •Track your numbers weekly to stay motivated and see real progress.
  • •If you cannot do a standard push-up yet, start with knee or incline push-ups and progress from there.

Considerations

  • •Growth plates are still developing; avoid extreme volume or weighted push-ups before physical maturity.
  • •Wrist discomfort is common during growth spurts -- use push-up handles or fists if needed.
  • •Focus on movement quality over quantity to build safe movement patterns.
  • •Some teens may find bodyweight exercises challenging if experiencing rapid height gains; this is normal and temporary.

Related Standards

16 Year Old Male Standards

18 Year Old Male Standards

17 Year Old Female Standards

22 Year Old Male Standards

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many push-ups should a teenager be able to do?+
It varies by age and gender. A 15-year-old male averaging 15-25 push-ups is performing well, while a 15-year-old female averaging 8-14 is on track. The key is consistent improvement over time rather than hitting a specific number.
Are push-ups safe for teenagers who are still growing?+
Yes, bodyweight push-ups are safe for teens. They build functional strength without the joint stress of heavy weights. Just ensure proper form and avoid pushing through pain in the wrists or shoulders.
How can a teen improve their push-up count for a school fitness test?+
Practice 3-4 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Start with 3 sets of as many good-form reps as possible, and add 1-2 reps per set each week. Test yourself every two weeks to track progress.
Should teens do push-ups every day?+
Daily push-ups are not recommended for teens. Growing muscles need recovery time. Training 3-4 days per week with rest days in between produces better results and reduces overuse injury risk.

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