The secret to a good push up counter is where the phone sits: low, on the floor, so it can see your elbows bend as you go down. This one counts every full push up out loud, so your eyes can stay on the ground.
Both arms are read together, so there's no one-arm option. Set the phone down, get into position, and the coach takes over from the five-second countdown.
Phone setup
Lay the phone sideways (landscape) on the floor about 2 meters (6 feet) away, with the lens near floor level. Your whole body, hands to feet, has to fit in the frame.
Turn your body halfway between side-on and facing the phone, so the camera can see both arms.
- Get into the top position and glance at the preview to confirm your hands and feet are both inside the frame.
Form cues
- Hands under shoulders. Stacking your wrists below your shoulders sends each press straight up instead of letting it drift.
- Lower until elbows bend. The count needs a clear elbow bend before the rep can complete. A shallow dip never reaches the bottom position.
- Press back to straight. The top of each push up completes the rep, so lock out your arms before lowering again.
- Hold one body line. Head, hips and heels move as a single unit, making it a full-body effort instead of an arms-only dip.
Common mistakes
- Dipping only an inch. A rep that never reaches the lower position isn't counted. Go down until your elbows clearly bend.
- Putting the phone up high. Floor level is the angle this setup is built around, so don't raise the phone to chest height as you would for curls.
- Facing the phone head-on. Square-on, your elbows bend toward the lens instead of across it. Turn halfway toward side-on before you start.
How FitnessBruh counts it
FitnessBruh measures the angle at your elbow. At the top your arms are straight, going down the elbows bend, and pressing back to straight completes the rep.
Both arms are read together, and there's no one-arm mode for push ups. A half rep that never bends the elbows far enough isn't counted.
Counting starts once the camera has held a steady view of your shoulders and hips, so get into the top position during the countdown. It tallies elbow round trips and nothing else.
FAQ
Why does the phone go on the floor for push ups?
At floor level the camera looks along your body, so both elbows stay in view while you lower. Lay it sideways about 2 meters (6 feet) away and turn halfway toward it.
Is there a one-arm mode for push ups?
There isn't one. Push ups read both arms together, so keep your elbows bending at the same time and each rep will read cleanly, from the first lowering to the final press.
Do I need my whole body in the frame?
Yes, from hands to feet. The phone sits on its side about 2 meters (6 feet) away to give you the width. If you slip out of the shot the coach tells you it can't see you.
