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Push Pull Calisthenics Progression

Beginner-friendly harder push-ups and pull-ups using wrist-friendly grips.

Warm-Up

Wrist-friendly prep and shoulder activation for push-ups and pull-ups.

Cat Cow Stretch
Cat Cow Stretch6x
Wrist Flexor Stretch
Wrist Flexor Stretch30 sec
Wrist Extensor Stretch
Wrist Extensor Stretch30 sec
Scapular Push Up
Scapular Push Up10x
Incline Push Up
Incline Push Up8x

Push Pull Circuit

Push with control; pull with elbows. Keep your neck relaxed.

Decline Push Up
Decline Push Up6x
Assisted Pull Up
Assisted Pull Up4x
Side Plank
Side Plank25 sec each side
3 rounds · 45 sec rest
30 sec rest

Harder Finish

Short, high-control reps. Reduce range or assistance if your wrists/neck flare.

Pause Push Up
Pause Push Up4x
Negative Pull Up
Negative Pull Up2x
Glute Bridge
Glute Bridge12x
2 rounds · 1 min rest
30 sec rest

Core and Control

Brace to protect your neck and keep the ribs down.

Dead Bug
Dead Bug10x
Plank
Plank40 sec
2 rounds · 30 sec rest

Cool-Down

Gentle mobility for wrists, hips, and neck.

Chin Tuck
Chin Tuck8x
Cat Cow Stretch
Cat Cow Stretch6x
Standing Hip Flexor Stretch
Standing Hip Flexor Stretch20 sec each side
Seated Hamstring Stretch
Seated Hamstring Stretch25 sec each side
Wrist Extensor Stretch
Wrist Extensor Stretch20 sec
Neutral Grip Logic in Push-Pull Work

Neutral Grip Logic in Push-Pull Work

Scapular push-ups and negative pull-ups anchor this routine because they build the serratus anterior and lower trapezius before load increases — muscles most beginners skip entirely. Incline and decline variations shift pectoral fiber recruitment across the clavicular and sternal heads, building balanced pressing strength without joint stress.

Why Beginners Stall on Pull Movements

Why Beginners Stall on Pull Movements

The pulling chain — lats, rhomboids, biceps brachii — is chronically underdeveloped relative to pushing muscles in untrained individuals, making assisted and negative pull-ups the smartest entry points. Negatives specifically exploit the eccentric strength advantage, letting you train the full range of motion before concentric strength catches up.

Dead Bug and Side Plank Aren't Filler

Dead Bug and Side Plank Aren't Filler

Dead bug trains anti-extension while side plank targets anti-lateral flexion — together they build the spinal stiffness that transfers directly into stable push and pull mechanics. Progress this routine by reducing incline on push-ups and decreasing assistance on pull-ups every 2–3 weeks, using the pause push-up tempo as your benchmark for control before advancing load.

Push Pull Calisthenics Progression | Mighty Nimble | Mighty Nimble