Push-up Progression: A 24 Push-up Journey to Stabilization, Strength, and Power

As a pastor and father of four young children and living in a very rural area a gym membership isn't practical because I don't have a lot of time for exercising and driving to a gym would add 30-40 minutes in travel time. I wanted exercises I could do at home, without equipment, and with my oldest (11 year old) son. I decided to give this a try and I'm glad I did.The information provided is very informative in letting the reader know how to do particular exercises and the benefits thereof. There is sufficient variety in exercises so that boredom hasn't been an issue at all.My goal is not to become super strong like the guy in the picture on the book, but to stay fit and help my son to increase his strength in a safe, yet very productive way and this book has fit the bill nicely.The author gets extra high marks for me too, because there was one part of the book I was not quite sure about and I looked him up on Facebook and sent him a message asking him the question. He was by no means obligated to respond to me, but he graciously did and was very helpful in his response.If you're looking for a book to help you increase your strength, better understand the benefits of push-ups, and give you a good variety of exercises then give this book a try.

My wife purchased this book for me as a gift, knowing that I'm a big fan of body weight exercises. I consider myself intermediate/advanced when it comes to push ups (normally perform between 200 and 300 every other morning along with body weight rows and body squats) so I thought this workout plan would be fairly easy. Initially I contacted Shaun to find out about frequency/week and then started the plan. I started with the stabilization portion and found that not only was it more difficult than any of my daily push up/row/squat workouts, but 1) I FELT the movement, 2) my shoulders didn't bother me (normally I have a bit of shoulder cuff pain), 3) I was completely exhausted, and 4) I felt more pumped than I had in YEARS.I strongly endorse Shaun's book (and I've purchased a ton and have only endorsed one or two others) and recommend that if you want to do push ups correctly and progress the right way, go for it. And, finally Shaun answered my question in no time at all which I consider the pinnacle of customer service!

I liked this book because it considers the out of shape and/or the beginning person starting on their fitness journey. Some other books have you jump into full blown push-ups immediately, while Shaun has you do static exercises first. Based on recent studies, static exercises are a good way to build strength to a point. My only reservation is that it was unclear to me whether you did the beginner level of every push-up, then intermediate, then advanced or perform all three levels of each push-up then start over again on the next push-up. BTW, it's the former not the latter. Definitely worth buying. I emailed and called the number on the zetlinfitness website and they answered my question quickly, clearly and accurately. All around it was a great book and very positive experience. - Martin Walsh

I found this book so intriguing, I read through it in an afternoon. I’ve been doing push-ups for most of my adult life, but only recently learned all the possibilities there are besides your basic push-up. Shaun starts with isometric, core-strengthening push-ups (stabilization), then progresses methodically through strength and power. I was disappointed that there wasn’t a precise routine laid out, but as he says, it’s a “journey” and it’s different for everyone. I emailed him and he got back to me right away. I’m very excited to start my journey!

I recently bought this book because I need a routine that I can do on the road, especially when I don't have a lot of time or access to equipment. As a professional dancer, I was curious to see how the traditional push-up could actually build my core -- this isn't something I've ever thought possible from a push-up. Three weeks later, I'm finding that I can execute certain movement sequences with an ease I've never experienced before. The new-found power in my legs is being noticed by my colleagues! I didn't know that push-ups could be so inventive and effective, and not just for the upper body. Well written, great reference images, and complete with varying levels at every step -- you MUST take this push-up journey!

Zetlin has a ton of technical details about the core. I had no idea there were that many muscles there. Makes sense though. This book highlighted my weak core area. I was doing squats and deadlifts which I thought was strengthening my core, but it wasn't enough. I tweaked a little muscle in my back and have been working it back up. I really think it was just from a lack of strength in my stomach and back which Zetlin hits hard in this book. A few technical parts were a little difficult to get through but overall the book really did change my perspective.

I have several books on pushups and this is one of the best. I never thought of pushups as being superior to situps for abs, but they are. The book needs better quality pictures and diagrams. Also the authors personal routine and testimonials from other clients would help.

I was expecting better information, everything provided by the author is basic info nothing worth while spending your money on.

What a book.. I'm an experienced gym rat/ OCR runner but always looking for something new to add into my routines.. I'd suffered with rotator cuff injuries and thought that this would help build up the necessary muscle groups correctly. And it does. I've emailed the author with questions and 24 hours later had replies that were were clear, concise and encouraging. Far from using it just to rehabilitate my shoulder, the exercises have strengthened my core and increased my stamina. Can't say enough good things about this book.

This book is ok starts off with strength building by doing planks then into press ups. I’m only part way through but enjoying the variety