Pushup Progressions
Here is a simple horizontal push progression in our continuing series of progressions. We like to look at “loading tools” and “teaching tools”. For teaching tools we like planks, squeezing an airex between the knees to tighten the core, and chin tucks. I like to cue “chest down, not chin down” as most people “peck” with their head.
For loading we use both weight vests and plates. Plates are quicker, vests work better. Depends on your situation.
1-Incline Pushup- my standard joke, “the only good use for a Smith Machine” Make sure the wrist stays stiff.
Heres another version
2- Pushup- nothing fancy here but we want to get to flat ground with great form.
a simple progression is to add a weight vest
3- Feet Elevated Pushup- an exercise bench works great here
4- BOSU Pushup ( feet elevated)- I’m not a huge BOSU fan but I do love upper body instability.
5- Weighted Pushup ( feet elevated) –
6- BOSU/ Weighted/ Feet Elevated- heres one of my 60+ clients with a great demo
7- Rings/ Weighted/ Feet Elevated
The bottom line is you can really progress pushups. Don’t view them as a bodyweight exercise, view them as a strength exercise. If you can do ten, make it harder.
Michael Boyle's Strengthcoach.com Blog 
December 16, 2013 at 4:03 pm
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October 20, 2013 at 9:54 am
ha ha that’s what i have been saying for the last 3 years about the smith machine too ha ha
October 15, 2013 at 3:55 pm
Just FYI. Not a plyo pushup fan. Great way to get shoulder tendonitis and sore wrists. I prefer med ball chest passes.
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October 13, 2013 at 5:16 pm
This push up progression is awesome! Works great for athletes who come in with no prior experience in resistance training. I have also read up on progressing into the plyo-push ups using a similar technique from another blog called gotstrengthblog.com
October 2, 2013 at 8:40 am
[…] Push Up Progressions by Mike Boyle […]