We do this push up motion so often in our surfing. Hopefully you feel strong in this motion (No? check out the daily pop up practice) and yet when you make a small change, like slowing it down, it really ups the challenge.

Prioritize maintaining the slow tempo and nasal diaphragmatic breathing over higher rep counts of pushups.

1. Start with 2 minutes of nasal / diaphragmatic breathe

Start on all fours. You are looking to pre-load your body with oxygen, focus the mind, and feel prepared for the slow pushup protocol.

2. Get into the top of your pushup form

3. Take 5 seconds to lower to the ground

Use a timer, count out loud 1 Mississippi, whatever it takes but don't speed up.

Lower yourself all the way to the ground (Actually take your hands off the ground)

4. Take 5 seconds to raise to the top of push up form

Again make sure not to speed up. 

Form focus: External rotation in your shoulders, straight line from top of head through hips and down to your feet, don't drop your chin.

Keep nice deep nasal diaphragmatic breathing going. 

Complete 4-8 repetitions

If you can comfortably complete more than 8 repetitions congrats you're killing it. Or you are cheating by speeding up and/or letting your form go to shit.

Bonus Challenge: After you complete your slow pushups knock out 10 burpees

Don't skip #5 recovery is always the most important component to progress.

5. Complete TWO Minutes Recovery of deep nasal diaphragmatic breathe

Seek to achieve Perfect Breath as early in the 2 minutes as you can.