Described herein is a push-up exercise apparatus. The push-up exercise apparatus includes a frame having at least a pair of legs and transverse cross braces connecting the legs; a plurality of horizontal platforms coupled to the frame and transverse to the at least pair of the legs; a plurality of horizontal bars coupled the frame and transverse to the at least pair of the legs; and the plurality of horizontal platforms and bars arranged in a stepped configuration such that an upper bar is recessed compared to a lower bar and/or one or more of the plurality of horizontal platforms or bars being slidably coupled to the frame. Methods for performing push-ups are also described.