Push-Up

Exercise / Calisthenic, Chest

Push-up

A push-up is a calisthenic exercise that involves lifting and lowering your body using your arms. They are commonly used to build upper body strength, improve core stability, and enhance overall physical fitness. Push-ups can be performed virtually anywhere and require no special equipment, making them a convenient exercise for home workouts or when you don’t have access to a gym.

How To Do:

Push-Up

  1. Starting Position:
    • Begin by getting into a plank position with your hands placed on the floor, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    • Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. Engage your core muscles to maintain stability.
  2. The Descent:
    • Lower your body toward the ground by bending your elbows. Keep your body in a straight line throughout the descent.
    • Lower yourself until your chest is just above the floor or as far as you can comfortably go while maintaining proper form. Your elbows should be at about a 45-degree angle to your body.
  3. Push:
    • Push your body back up to the starting position by straightening your arms. Exhale as you push up.
    • Fully extend your elbows without locking them at the top of the movement.
  4. Repeat:
    • Perform multiple repetitions of push-ups, aiming for a full range of motion and maintaining good form throughout.

Tips for Proper Form:

  • Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  • Don’t allow your lower back to sag or your hips to rise excessively.
  • Maintain a neutral neck position by looking at a spot on the floor a few inches in front of your hands.
  • Breathe in as you lower your body and exhale as you push back up.
  • If you’re new to push-ups, you can start with your knees on the ground for a modified version to build strength before progressing to standard push-ups.

Push-up Benefits

  1. Strengthens Chest Muscles: Push-ups primarily target the pectoral muscles (chest), helping to build and tone the chest muscles, which can improve your upper body strength and appearance.
  2. Strengthens Triceps: Push-ups also engage the triceps, the muscles at the back of your upper arm. This helps to strengthen and tone these muscles.
  3. Strengthens Shoulders: The anterior deltoids in your shoulders are engaged during push-ups, contributing to shoulder strength and stability.
  4. Core Stability: Push-ups require you to engage your core muscles to maintain a straight body position. This helps improve core strength and stability.
  5. Improves Posture: Strengthening the chest, shoulders, and core can lead to improved posture, as these muscles play a key role in maintaining an upright position.
  6. Enhances Upper Body Endurance: Regular push-up practice can increase your upper body endurance, allowing you to perform other exercises and activities more effectively.
  7. Boosts Metabolism: Like other strength-training exercises, push-ups can help increase your metabolism, which may assist with weight management and fat loss.
  8. Increases Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises like push-ups can help improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis as you age.
  9. Low Impact: Push-ups are generally low-impact, making them suitable for individuals with joint issues or those who want to avoid high-impact exercises.
  10. Functional Strength: Push-ups mimic functional movements, such as pushing a heavy object or getting up from the ground. This can improve your ability to perform everyday activities.
  11. Improved Mental Health: Exercise, including push-ups, can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular physical activity is associated with improved mental well-being and reduced stress.
  12. Heart Health: Engaging in regular exercise like push-ups can contribute to better cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of heart disease and improving blood circulation.

Push-up – Muscles Worked

Target - Pectoralis Major, Sternal
Synergists - Pectoralis Major, Clavicular
Synergists - Anterior Deltoid
Synergists - Triceps Brachii
Synergists - Trapezius
Dynamic Stabilizers - Biceps Brachii
Stabilizers - Rectus Abdominis
Stabilizers - Pectoralis Minor
Stabilizers - Serratus Anterior
Stabilizers - Obliques
Stabilizers - Quadriceps
Antagonist Stabilizers - Erector Spinae
Antagonist Stabilizers - Latissimus Dorsi
push-up muscles worked

Push-up Variations

Push-ups can be modified and progressed to suit your fitness level. You can start with knee push-ups and work your way up to more challenging variations like diamond push-ups or one-arm push-ups.