Posted on 25, Jan | 
Posted by PitmastaThere has always been a debate on what constitutes a correct push up. How far do you go down, how far do you come up, did each push up count, etc. To eliminate any subjectivity, check out our new Pit Push Up.
Clapping the hands at the bottom and at the top seems the only definitive measure of each persons’ full range of motion. Try a few Pit Push Ups then let us know your thoughts…and if you can come up with something better then we’d like to hear it too!
Comments
Randy R.
on January 25, 2011, 11:07 pm
Genius! pure genius. its much more effective also.
Michael
on February 1, 2011, 9:28 am
I like it!!!
VR
on May 10, 2011, 6:00 am
I like Burpees, done in high repetitions: Chest touches floor, knees do not touch ground, done on your fingertips, and both feet must come off the ground at same time. To make them interesting, add a jump lung with each leg with a 1-2 count. That is one burpee.
My 2 cents.
Yeah … I’ve been lazy « stranger in a strange gym
on June 7, 2011, 12:05 pm
[...] is a link to a video by John Hackleman himself demonstrating a Pit Push Up. Basically you lower your chect all the way down, slap the ground with both hands, push up like [...]
bostongeorge
on June 16, 2011, 7:29 pm
Good stuff John, I will introduce that in our Kempo school for the kids and adults..Thank you
Bob Bogle
on October 7, 2011, 3:26 pm
Pit push-ups with affirmative signals at both bottom and top of range motion seems to be a fool-proof method for assuring a full exercise has been accomplished. However, is this the “Best” method for producing measurable results i.e. muscle growth/strength development? I more measurable result may be obtained by performing the push-up in using strict form and controlling speed of movement. Maintain elbows in alignment with shoulders throughout the entire move, similar to a good fighting posture, with continuous motion using no momentum to aid completion of the movement. I’ll record a vid and attach a link soon. Mahalo John!
Bill M.
on October 17, 2011, 12:26 pm
Aloha, John — I like this idea! The hand release/slap at the bottom with a clap at the top leaves no doubt as to full ROM, and it adds an extra component of explosiveness required to do the top clap. The work required to do a push-up can vary enormously depending on what form (or lack thereof) you’re using, and this guarantees a minimum level of effort that is also easy to coach and monitor. Although I bet some folks who are used to being able to claim 50 or more consecutive push-ups will be busted down to less than half that number… Mahalo very much for an excellent suggestion!
lefty
on November 14, 2011, 8:36 pm
Thats the most limmist thing iv ever heard!!!
Mullet
on December 24, 2011, 10:17 am
This is a GREAT way to cause problems in your elbows. You might sustain it for a few years, but I doubt it. Self-defense has to start with smart training that doesn’t leave you exhausted and/or injured. There is no getting saved by the bell on the street.
Stick with good old fashioned regular pushups with various hand placement and speed. If people aren’t doing them right, that’s their problem.
Matt C
on January 14, 2012, 11:45 am
I like it John. Another modification could be to turn it into a T pushup at the top. You can’t fake it. You have to extend for the T. So keep the release/slap at the bottom, and do a T at the top.
Best regards,
Matt