One simple way to get a gauge of upper body strength is by doing a push-up test. Women should test their strength with a non-military push-up. Lie on your stomach on your mat or carpet with your palms flat on the floor just in front of your shoulders. Bend your knees so that your feet and lower legs are up off the floor. Now push yourself upward by straightening your arms and then bend your arms to lower yourself back down again. Only lower until your upper arms are parallel with the floor; keep your head and neck up and in line with the rest of your spine. Men should do regular "military-style" pushups in which they are balanced on their palms and toes. Do as many repetitions as you can without stopping.

Skip this test if you're prone to shoulder or neck problems. If you feel sharp pain in any of your joints as you do the test, stop.