Toning with Gus · Free exercise guide
How to do wall push-ups
Learn wall push-ups step by step with coach Gus Steiner. A gentle, joint-friendly upper-body exercise for beginners and older adults — free video, tips and an easy progression plan.
Step by step
- Stand an arm's length from a wall with your feet hip-width apart.
- Place your palms flat on the wall at shoulder height, a little wider than your shoulders.
- Keep your body straight from head to heels and tighten your tummy.
- Bend your elbows slowly and bring your chest towards the wall — take about three seconds.
- Push back to the start. Breathe out as you push.
- Start with 5–10 repetitions. Rest, then repeat once or twice.
Stop if you feel sharp pain. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Common questions
Are wall push-ups good for beginners?
Yes. They work the chest, shoulders and arms with far less weight on your joints than floor push-ups, so they're a safe place to start.
How do I make wall push-ups harder?
Step your feet further from the wall, slow the lowering to three seconds, or move on to push-ups against a sturdy counter or chair.
How many should I do?
Two or three sets of 5–15, two days a week, is a great start. Add more only when a session feels easy.
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