Clients who are sedentary or unaccustomed to working the upper body are likely lacking in upper-body strength and endurance. If the muscles of the upper body are weak, this can lead to poor posture and a variety of musculoskeletal problems. In the fitness setting, there are a variety of strength-training activities that can be incorporated into a client’s training program that would help increase muscular fitness in the pectoralis, triceps, and deltoid muscle groups, individually or collectively. The push-up itself is a great exercise for developing muscular strength, endurance, and overall tone in the upper body. Push-ups can also be modified to accommodate a variety of clients (e.g., wall push-ups). Push-ups do not require any equipment and can be performed virtually anywhere. For these reasons, push-ups are a beneficial exercise to add to any client’s home exercise program.
Curl-up Test
The curl-up test is used to measure abdominal strength and endurance. Like the push-up test, this test requires the client to perform to fatigue. The curl-up is preferred over the full sit-up because it is a more reliable indicator of abdominal strength and endurance and is much safer for the exerciser. The full sit-up requires additional recruitment of the hip flexors, which places increased loads across the lumbar spine. Many clients are also inclined to pull on the neck in an effort to generate momentum during a full sit-up, potentially increasing the risk for injury in the cervical region. Most clients will be able to perform the curl-up test unless they suffer from low-back problems. The curl-up test is an easy and inexpensive method of evaluating abdominal strength and endurance.
Contraindications
The following issues should be considered prior to the performance of abdominal strength assessments: • Clients with low-back concerns should check with their physicians prior to attempting this test.
• Clients with cervical neck issues may find that this exercise exacerbates their pain. All clients should be encouraged to relax the neck and rely on their abdominal muscles to do the work.
Equipment: • Mat
Figure 8-16 Curl-up test
Pre-test procedure: • After explaining the purpose of the curl-up test, explain and demonstrate proper body position and movement technique. The starting position requires the client to be supine, with feet flat on the floor, both knees bent to a 90-degree angle, and arms crossed at the chest (Figure 8-16).
Curl-up test: Down position. Head support is optional.
