Push-Up
The most portable strength exercise on earth — a moving plank that builds a pressing base.
Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, CoreNoneBeginner
Setup
- Hands slightly wider than shoulders, directly under-ish your chest.
- Body in one straight line from head to heels — squeeze glutes and core.
How To Do It
- Lower your whole body as one plank until chest is a fist-height from the floor.
- Elbows at roughly 45° from your torso, not flared to 90°.
- Press the floor away to full lockout.
Breathing
Inhale down, exhale up.
Common Mistakes
- Sagging hips — that's a core failure; squeeze and shorten the set.
- Half reps — full range or regress to incline push-ups (hands elevated).
- Head pecking forward — lead with the chest.
Coach Sam's cue: You're a plank with elbows.
Programming It
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|
| Strength | 3–5 | 4–6 | 2–3+ min |
| Muscle | 3–4 | 8–12 | 60–90 sec |
| Endurance / Conditioning | 2–3 | 15–20 | 30–45 sec |
Form guide for educational purposes — not medical advice. New to training or working around an issue? Apply for coaching and get a plan built for your body.