As a dad with small kids, staying in shape is less about looking good for the ladies, than it is about staying fit to chase the kids down and live an active life with them. This recent article points out the importance of the humble pushup as a indicator of good health. At 40, you should be able to do 27 pushups. I just did 22 at the gym a few hours ago, so I’ll have to push this up a bit.
The push-up is the ultimate barometer of fitness. It tests the whole body, engaging muscle groups in the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs. It requires the body to be taut like a plank with toes and palms on the floor. The act of lifting and lowering one’s entire weight is taxing even for the very fit.
[From An Enduring Measure of Fitness: The Simple Push-Up – New York Times]
Different ages have different norms for pushups. Check out where you stand for your age at Push Up Test .