First Pushup: 3-Stage Progression

Full Body
Beginner

A progressive 3-stage full body program designed to guide beginners from square one all the way to their first full floor pushup.

Train consistently with one routine (2–3 times per week) until hitting the graduation criteria before advancing to the next stage.

Alternative Option: The routines use Standing Resistance Band Rows for minimal equipment. If you have rings or a low bar available, Incline Rows are a great direct substitution!

Routines

Stage 1: Foundation & Baseline Strength

Graduation Goal: 3 sets of 15 clean Wall Pushups with complete control and 30s solid plank before moving to Stage 2.

Exercises: 7
Wrist Warmup

1 Sets

Warmup

Gentle circular wrist rolls and palm pulses on the floor.

Scapular Pushups

2 Sets · 8-10 Reps · 45s Rest

Warmup

Keep arms locked straight; isolate movement in shoulder blades.

tracali
Wall Pushups

3 Sets · 10-15 Reps · 90s Rest

Keep body in a rigid line, elbows tucked at ~45 degrees.

Standing Resistance Band Row

3 Sets · 8-12 Reps · 90s Rest

Use a band that feels cofortable but not too easy.

Squats

3 Sets · 10-15 Reps · 90s Rest

Full depth bodyweight squats with flat feet.

Glute Bridge

3 Sets · 10-15 Reps · 60s Rest

Drive through heels and squeeze glutes at the top.

Plank

3 Sets · 20-30s · 60s Rest

Maintain posterior pelvic tilt and keep core tightly braced.

Last updated: 8/25/2026