Push Up
The push up may be the perfect total body exercise that builds both upper body and core strength. When performed properly, it is a compound exercise that uses muscles in the chest, shoulders, triceps, back, abs and even the legs.
Mechanics
- Start in a front support position, with your feet together, toes curled under and hands shoulder-width apart and under your shoulders.
- Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe without sagging in the middle or arching your back.
- Set your abs and keep them tight throughout the movement.
- Inhale as you slowly bend your elbows and lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90 degree angle and you chest almost touches the floor.
- Exhale as as you begin pushing back up to the start position.
- Don’t lock out the elbows; keep them slightly bent.
- Repeat for as many repetitions as your workout routine requires.
- For variety, perform the exercise with your hands on a balance board or stability ball.
- To make the exercise harder do the exercise while wearing a weight vest.
- You can also perform a decline push-up with feet on a bench for more intensity or feet on a stability ball for increased intensity.