PE 101: 'Push-Up Regressions & Teaching Modifications'

Quality push-ups deliver real strength gains not only for arms and chest but for many other parts of the body too--even when only using your own bodyweight. However, despite the many benefits of doing a "real push-up" to the quality standards used in WWII (long spine and body, full range of motion, etc.), most people cannot do a single rep the right way. No worries.

In this video, I have gone through my push-up regressions starting with the easiest wall push-ups then progressing through many different modifications I've used to help people tune up pushing power. The idea is to find the level you can perform with some degree of challenge but also with control and precision. Even one quality rep at a time can help you get stronger.

My regression process developed from decades of teaching and reading over thousands of pages of PE and fitness history. The fundamentals remain essential to movement no matter what decade because a quality WWII-grade push-up is still the best essential push-up out there in 2020.

*To see my other push-ups videos, please visit:

-Ron Jones, MS, Historical Kinesiologist, Physical & Health Educator