Negative Push-Up
Only the lowering half of the push-up, done as slowly as you can; the knees go down to get back to the top, so it builds strength before full push-ups are possible.
How to do it
Setup
High plank, hands under the shoulders, body in one line.
Steps
- Lower the chest to the floor as slowly as you can, body rigid.
- Set the knees down at the bottom and push back up from them.
- Straighten back into the high plank for the next slow lowering.
Common mistakes
Speeding up near the floor: the last part is the hardest; keep it slow. Hips sagging as the arms tire: brace and squeeze the glutes. Belly-flopping to the floor: touch down chest and hips together.
Breathing
Inhale lowering, exhale pushing back up.
