What It Is
A push-up is a horizontal push exercise, that requires a person to utilize various groups of muscles to raise and lower their body from a prone position while remaining parallel to the ground.
Why It’s Important
It’s A Time Saver
Do to the various muscle groups being used as primary muscle movers and stabilizers you can strengthen more muscle groups with one move. Also because of the effort required to utilized these major muscle groups, push-ups help improve your cardiovascular conditioning with no equipment needed.
It Aids In Functional Training
This type of training involves exercises that help one move efficiently through everyday life. Push-ups activate muscles throughout the body as stabilizers, meaning you must keep your body still while you perform the required movement. Keeping your body stable as you perform movements throughout your day helps prevent injuries.
How To Do It
You will need to keep your core braced throughout the entire exercise as you start in a straight arm plank position with feet shoulder width; hands under shoulders; and a straight line from shoulders, hips, to feet.
Look three feet in front of you; lead with your chest; bend elbows close to your sides; and squeeze arm pits as you perform push-up.
Return back up to start position for one rep.
Modify It
Use a wall, bench, or smith machine to elevate your push-up and reduce the resistance you will be pushing so that you can work on form.
Power It Up
Reduce your base of support by going from two legs to one to increase the intensity on your stabilizers. Try a Spider-man, Mt Climber, or one leg push-up variation to power-up buttercup!
Push-up Infographic:
For daily fitspiration follow @soleshaping on:
Sole Shaping Blog is written by a nationally certified personal trainer, however, the topics and information given might not be specific for your health and wellness needs. The blog is intended for informational purposes only and not direct health advice. Consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise program or changing your nutritional diet. The blog is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but omissions, errors or mistakes may occur.
This website contains affiliate marketing ads which means if you follow a link and make a purchase, we receive small compensation at no extra cost to you.
