May 8, 2024

Power Up your Pushups

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Power Up your Pushups!

Think of pushups as a moving Plank exercise. This exercise is as much about your core, as it is your upper body muscles. Keep your abs tight and body straight. Pull your shoulders down into your body and tuck your chin in. If you’re up for a challenge: Only push up half-way. Pause for one or two seconds, then immediately lower your body down into the next rep. For even more muscle work, do one set to fatigue (in good form) at the end of your workout.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Push-Ups Too Easy?

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Do Plyometric Push-Ups

Begin in a push-up position. Pull your abdominal muscles in tight, with your spine aligned. Inhale and lower your body down toward the floor. Immediately upon extending your elbows, exhale, push up and jump both hands off the floor. Land gently, lowering your body down toward the floor to complete your rep. Begin with 5 repetitions.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Pushups= Total Body Strength

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Pushups for total body fitness!

Do pushups for total body strength and fitness. Core, upper body and lower body are all under constant tension to perform a pushup properly. Do pushups with your hands on a step, bench or the floor. Your legs can be straight with your whole body up off the floor, or place your knees on the floor to reduce abdominal muscle tension. Despite requiring no additional equipment, performing pushups properly calls for practice and awareness. Be mindful not to adapt two commonly seen compensating patterns:

Don’t hunch your shoulders! Keep your shoulders away from your ears. Drop your chin to your chest to keep your neck aligned with your spine.

Don’t sag in the middle. Pull your belly button up to your spine. Keep your leg muscles tight with your hips in line between your shoulders and your hips.

*Consult your physician before beginning exercise.