What’s the correct way to do push-ups

Storm said:
@Orion
Yeah, I get it. I just don’t want to hit a wall in the middle of the test!

Just do push-ups daily. Getting to 35 isn’t that hard, and the more relaxed you get with them, the easier they will feel during the test.

Both of you are incorrect. A push-up counts when your elbows are bent to 90 degrees at the bottom and your elbows and shoulder blades are aligned horizontally. It doesn’t matter how close any part of your body gets to the ground. The key point is the alignment of elbows and shoulders.

EDIT: After reading more about your goals, as someone who used to coach on army PT tests, focus on controlling how you come down. Go slow with something heavy on your back and use your knees to stand back up. Being good at the slow descent can really help with timed push-up tests.

You might end up with blackheads if you rub your nose on the gym floor. I can guarantee you that!

Blaze said:
You might end up with blackheads if you rub your nose on the gym floor. I can guarantee you that!

The funny thing about push-ups is they can be done anywhere!

Gracen said:

Blaze said:
You might end up with blackheads if you rub your nose on the gym floor. I can guarantee you that!

The funny thing about push-ups is they can be done anywhere!

True, but if you want a serious workout, using them after a good chest session is ideal.

Try doing hand-release push-ups so you don’t have to stress about the details.

Ash said:
Try doing hand-release push-ups so you don’t have to stress about the details.

What are hand-release push-ups?

Your upper arm should be parallel to the floor. That’s when you can count the rep. You can go lower while training, but for testing, go as low as you need.

Just do what feels comfortable. Not everyone can achieve full range of motion. The key is to contract and stretch your chest at the bottom. I do partial push-ups as well, and both work fine.

I really don’t want my nose on the floor, if possible. Aim for your triceps parallel to the ground as a measure of depth, and keep your elbows close to your body.

I’d aim for your chin to the floor instead of your nose haha.

It depends on your aim—both ways can work depending on your goals.

You need to make contact at the top.

Layne said:
You need to make contact at the top.

Your chest should touch the ground.

It doesn’t matter; just go as low as you can.

I was taught to go until your chest is past your elbows.

Lower your chest to the floor, then lift your hands off the ground and repeat.

Just make sure your elbows reach a 90-degree angle—it’s all good.