Expert reveals how many sit-ups you should be able to do based on your age
An expert has revealed just how many sit ups you should be able to do at your age and why this is so important to overall fitness.
Now, while many of us want to keep fit, we may not be as dedicated as we think we should be. Obviously, life can get in the way, injuries or just being overall content with your figure stops us working out like we used to during our youth.
But some experts have noted that while you might not want to be working your butt off towards a six pack doing loads of sit ups and crunches, it can still be great for your overall health.
According to a Mail Online report, British Army veteran turned physiotherapist Nell Mead says has emphasized the importance of having a good core.
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He said: “Your core doesn't function in isolation. It works as an integrated system to stabilize your entire body during real-world movements.”
So, even if you aren’t intending on going pro because of your bum knee, it still might help having a good core as it helps in the tasks you often don’t think about, like walking, running, stretching to the top shelf and even unloading the dishwasher.
Nico Schwandt, a physiologist specializing in pain and chronic conditions at Stone London gyms spoke to the Telegraph and gave the lowdown on how many each age group should be able to do.
He also reiterated Mead’s point saying: “All functional movements (standing, sitting, carrying, walking) require core strength to maintain stability and prevent you falling over.
“Working core strength also reduces injury risk (especially in the lower back) as it strengthens the muscles and tissues in the spine region.”
Speaking of the age groups he said:
- 30-39 year olds should be able to perform 40 crunches at least two or three times a week.
- For 40-49 year-olds they should be able to do 30 crunches.
- For 60-69 year olds they should be able to do 10 crunches.
- And for 70 year olds+ they should be able to do five.
He did note that ‘these numbers are markers to aim for’ rather than strict standards to hold yourself to. He added that it was important to have the right technique and a reasonable level of fitness.
Schwandt even pointed out why it wasn’t important to get fixated on meeting or surpassing these numbers, or individuals who are older than you who can do more.
He added: “Remember Mike Tyson is 59 and can probably perform more crunches than most people at 29.”
Gerrard Kaonga