Grade 9 was quite an experience—a new school, new classmates, and new teachers. But one teacher stood out more than the others: Mr. Carter, our physical education teacher.

Think of him as a military sergeant in sweats. By the end of the school year, he had whipped us into shape—and his secret weapon? Push-ups. Lots of them!

The Push-Up Punishment That Made Us Stronger

Mr. Carter didn’t mess around. From the very first class, he set the tone.

• Someone forgot to tuck in their track pants? Drop and give me 10!
• A wisecrack in the middle of class? 10 more!
• Someone cheating with quarter reps? You guessed it—another 10!

This no-nonsense approach continued all year. Students wised up after a while, but in the early days, we were cranking out close to 100 push-ups per class.

The Results? Leaner, Stronger, and Fitter

By the end of the school year, every single student was leaner and stronger. Sure, teenage hormones played a role, but the sheer volume of push-ups made a big impact.

Push-ups are a simple yet powerful exercise:
✔️ They work the upper body dynamically and the core statically.
✔️ They require no equipment—just your bodyweight.
✔️ They build serious strength and endurance.

Push-Up Variations for Every Fitness Level

Whether you’re just starting or looking for a challenge, there’s a push-up variation for you.

Want to increase your push-up count? Check out page 122 of The Elite Trainer for proven methods!

The Elite Trainer: Strength Training for the Serious Professional

The Elite Trainer is the go-to resource for strength coaches, personal trainers, and serious lifters who want to master program design. Covering everything from sets and reps to tempo, rest, and periodization, this book gives you the tools to create individualized programs that deliver results. Packed with proven methods, expert insights, and over 100 exercise illustrations, it’s a must-have reference for anyone serious about strength training.

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