Ronny Terry is a Swindon-based personal trainer. He has previously worked as Performance Analyst with Swindon Town FC and on obesity initiatives with the NHS. Tweet your questions to @SWITCHFITUK or visit www.switchfituk.co.uk

Q I’m struggling to complete even one push up – what can I do to improve?

A The push up is one of the most basic bodyweight exercises and primarily works the triceps, pectorals, deltoids and core.

It’s a great whole-body movement for anyone new to strength training, and can be modified for those lacking in upper-body pushing strength. The progressions below should set you on your way to push-up perfection.

With hands elevated on a platform the amount of bodyweight to overcome is reduced which makes the movement less demanding and more suitable for beginners. The higher the platform, the easier the movement becomes.

Find a sturdy bench or chair, place it against a wall and ensure it is secure. Place your hands on the platform, slightly wider than shoulder width apart and with feet close together on the floor. Keep a rigid body and neutral spine (straight back) and lower yourself until your chest meets the bench or chair. Push up from this lowered position until your elbows are locked out.

Push ups performed on the knees offer a resistance of around 50 per cent of bodyweight and are a natural progression from those with hands elevated. While kneeling, place your hands a shoulder width apart on the floor with arms at 45 degrees from your torso. Move your knees back a few inches and keeping a neutral spine, lower your chest to the ground. Reverse the movement, pushing up until elbows lock out at the top.

Finally, it’s the ‘regular’ push up, which requires the strength to overcome 64 per cent of bodyweight.

Place hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart, directly under the elbows with feet close together. Arms should be at a 45 degree angle to your torso and your body rigid to prevent sagging. Lower yourself until your chest touches the floor and push up from the lowered position until elbows lock out at the top.