03/16/2026
Struggling with push ups?
A lot of agencies tend to include push ups in their PAT. Both before you get into academy while you’re in the hiring process and after you get in. One of the agencies I’m applying for has a requirement of 20.
I essentially had to go from being able to do ZERO push ups to 20 in a fairly short timeframe.
First, I started at incline/bar push ups. I had some chest and core strength already. I’d place the bar about belly button height and just bust them out in a controlled manner, after I was able to do 12 of them over multiple sets without struggling, I lowered the bar one notch, so on and so forth.
The programming helped, but being consistent with them was the key. I actively work on push ups at minimum 5 days a week, no matter what day it is and what I am working. Eventually, bar push ups became easier and I graduated onto the floor.
Now I’ve managed to get 8 decent reps in push up position within two months of consistently training them.
Tie these in with regular chest workouts such as presses/benching, make sure you’re working your stabilizers and keeping up with your mobility to prevent injuries, and DO NOT ignore core workouts. I know a plank minute is the longest minute of our workouts, but they’re necessary.
A lot of women psyche themselves out with things like push ups because we’re naturally not as talented as men in upper body strength, but with CONSISTENCY… push ups become easier.