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 a synthesis of the very latest thinking in strength training and a comprehensive guide to developing individualized programs for your clients.
Intensity, volume, density, repetitions, sets, tempo, time under tension, rest interval, exercise selection and sequence, load selection, duration, and frequency are all covered in detail in easy-to-understand language. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, The Elite Trainer provides a wealth of information you can put to use immediately.
