North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Are push-ups considered an aerobic exercise?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if done quickly

4. Only for trained officers

The correct answer is: No

Push-ups are primarily classified as a strength training exercise rather than an aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercises are activities that elevate heart rate and improve cardiovascular endurance, typically involving large muscle groups working continuously and rhythmically over an extended period. Examples include running, swimming, and cycling. Push-ups, on the other hand, focus on building strength and muscle endurance, particularly in the upper body and core. While they can lead to an increase in heart rate if performed in high repetitions or incorporated into a circuit training routine, they do not meet the criteria for aerobic exercise on their own because they do not maintain a sustained elevated heart rate over a longer duration. Thus, labeling push-ups as an aerobic exercise is inaccurate, leading to the understanding that the appropriate classification for them is indeed non-aerobic.