Why this 80-year-old Ghostbusters actor does 100 push-ups a day (and what you should copy)

Ernie Hudson’s routine is the kind that makes people rethink everything they believe about fitness. No gym. No complicated program. Just a simple daily target: 100 push-ups, completed in small bursts across the day, plus bodyweight squats to keep his legs active.

The headline isn’t the number. It’s the principle: consistency beats complexity, especially as we age.

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What Hudson is really doing: strength “maintenance” in micro-sessions

Hudson isn’t treating training like a transformation challenge. He frames it as daily upkeep for independence, posture, and capability.

That approach lines up with what public health guidance repeatedly emphasizes for older adults: stay active, include muscle-strengthening work regularly, and keep it sustainable.

And his method is smart for recovery. Short bouts spread through the day are often easier to tolerate than one long, exhausting session, while still keeping the habit alive.

Why push-ups are a great “no-gym” strength move

A well-done push-up trains the muscles that matter for real life:

• pushing strength (chest, shoulders, triceps)
  
  

• core stability (bracing and spinal control)
  
  

• shoulder control and posture support
  
  

Add squats and you cover even more of what keeps you capable: legs, hips, balance, and getting up and down with confidence.

The key takeaway for you: don’t copy “100,” copy the system

You don’t need 100 push-ups a day to benefit. What works is having a repeatable structure:

1) Set a daily minimum you can actually hit

Instead of 100, start with something like:

• 10 push-ups total per day (broken into 2–5 mini-sets)
  
  

• 20 squats total per day
  
  

You’re building identity first: “I’m someone who moves daily.”

2) Scale the push-up to your current level

Most people fail push-ups because they start too hard and their form collapses. Use a version you can control:

• incline push-ups on a bench or sturdy surface
  
  

• knee push-ups (if your core position stays solid)
  
  

• slow negatives (lower for 3 seconds, push up normally)
  
  

3) Progress with patience, not ego

When your daily sets feel easy for a full week, add:

• 1–2 reps per mini-set, or
  
  

• one extra mini-set per day
  
  

Small upgrades compound quickly.

Don’t skip the missing piece: mobility and structured strength

Hudson’s broader philosophy (as reported) also includes balance, mobility work, and strength sessions. That’s the complete picture most people need as they get older: strength + mobility + regular movement.

If you want structured, progressive strength that’s easy to follow, Strength Development is a solid option.

And for mobility and joint-friendly movement that supports recovery, add Yoga classes.

Source: t3.com

The opinions shared in the blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.