Your age and overall physical condition are also part of the picture. Women and older adults often have less upper body strength than young males. Push-ups are usually more difficult for these two groups.

A wall push-up is done standing facing a wall with toes about three feet away from the wall. Place your hands with palms open and flat against the wall. Keeping your feet in one place, slowly bend your elbows and move your chest towards the wall. Go as far as you can. This may not be very far to start, but with practice and persistence you should see some improvement quickly. Elbow push-ups are done in a position more like the traditional push-up. The chest, abdomen, and knees are off the floor while you support yourself on your forearms with your elbows bent. Hold the position for as long as you can. Add several seconds up to a minute onto your time everyday.

Knee push-ups are done with the knees on the floor and arms straight. The most difficult push-up is the standard (military) push-ups. The arms are straight with palms flat on the floor. The chest, abdomen, and knees are in a straight line and lifted off the floor. The weight is on the toes.

All push-ups are easier if you allow your elbows to go out to the side as you lower your body. A more difficult method is with the elbows tucked up against the sides. When you've mastered the standard push-up then go back and start over with the elbows in.