Kneeling Push-Up

Set up in a push-up position but rest on your knees instead of your toes, with your ankles crossed or feet lifted behind you. Keep a straight line from your shoulders through your knees, without letting your hips pike up or sag toward the floor. Lower your chest toward the ground with your elbows at roughly a 45-degree angle from your body, then press back to full extension. Resting on your knees shortens the lever your upper body is pushing against, which takes a meaningful amount of bodyweight out of the movement compared to a full push-up. It's a solid way to build the pressing pattern and strength before your toes take the full load.