Fitness Tests
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Upper Body Strength

Pull-ups

Maximum pull-ups with palms facing away. The chin must clear the bar each rep.

2026 Presidential benchmark

source: whitehouse.gov · 2026-05-08
AgeBoysGirls
622
742
852
952
1063
1163
1273
1373
14103
15113
16113
17+133

How to administer

  1. 1Hang from the bar with palms facing away (overhand grip), arms fully extended.
  2. 2Pull up until the chin clears the top of the bar.
  3. 3Lower under control until arms are fully extended again.
  4. 4Count reps until the student drops from the bar or pauses for more than 3 seconds.

Equipment

  • Pull-up bar
  • Mat under the bar

Common mistakes to watch for

  • Kipping — using leg swing to throw the body up.
  • Chin not fully clearing the bar.
  • Failing to fully extend at the bottom.

Try the calculator

Targets adjust automatically when you change sex or age.

Will my student earn the Award?

Pick a sex and age to see the 2026 Presidential benchmark for each event.

B-10

Age

CoreCurl-ups451 minute · reps
CorePlank119seconds held
CardioOne Mile Run7:57min:sec
Cardio20m Beep Test55laps
Upper BodyRight-Angle Push-ups22reps
Upper BodyPull-ups6reps
Rule: Meet the Presidential benchmark in at least one event in EACH of the three categories to earn the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Run this test in your classSee full standards table

Standards captured from whitehouse.gov/fitness on 2026-05-08.

Run this in your classSee full standards table