Do 15 “Real” Pushups

It’s a big jump from “girl” pushups, where your knees touch the floor, to military-style presses, but there’s one simple tool that can help you bridge the gap: a staircase. “Angled pushups are easier than those on a flat surface, and they build more strength in your shoulders, chest, arms, and core than pushups on your knees do.

STEP 1: Stand facing a staircase with both feet flat on the floor a few inches infront of the bottom step. Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the front edge of a step so your body is at roughly a 45 degree angle to the floor. Keeping your abs tight and your body straight, lower yourself slowly then push back up. Do 1 set of 15 (stop to rest for 30 to 60 seconds at any time if you need to).

STEP 2: Position your feet about 6 inches away from the stairs and place your hands one step lower. Again, aim for 15 push-ups and take 30 to 60 second breaks as you need them.

STEP 3: Repeat the move, but this time back your feet a few more inches away from the stairs and lower your hands another step. Repeat until you run out of stairs and can do 15 on the floor.