Innovation has been a dominant theme in exercise since the early 1980s. New equipment makes it easier for those working out to get in better shape, become healthier and stronger. However, despite the development of a number of different exercise routines and vital equipment, the push-up remains one of the primary tools for getting stronger and in better shape. Both the Navy Seals and Army Rangers---two of the most elite fighting units---use push-ups to make sure all of their members are in top condition. Wide push-ups force you to exercise with muscles that may ordinarily get ignored.
Upper Body Strength
When you are doing standard push-ups, most of the emphasis is on the arms and shoulders. When you are doing wide push-ups, you are using your pectoral muscles in your chest to help lift your body. This will build upper body strength that is useful in competitive sports and allow you to do tasks that involve strength with greater ease. "Push-ups improve range of motion in the upper body and overall upper body strength," says David Schuman, New Jersey-based speed and strength coach, former champion hurdler and owner of Schuman's Speed Center. "They're important to a fitness regimen for developing general body strength and core body strength. An important area of strength endurance can be developed through a higher number of repetitions."
Abdominal Muscles
When doing standard push-ups, your abs get a minimal workout. However, when you are doing wide push-ups, your body position tenses your abdominal muscles and forces them to contract with each up-and-down movement. As a result, you tend to burn more calories and work harder when exercising. This will help you develop stronger and firmer abdominal muscles.
Variety
Wide push-ups can add a new dimension to your workout. It will keep your workout from getting boring by doing the same standard push-ups every day, according to fitness expert Stew Smith, a former Navy Seal and author of several fitness books. Doing the same exercise on a regular basis keeps the muscle from growing to its full potential. When you do standard push-ups every day, the same muscles get the same workout. By doing push-ups from a new position, you build muscles from new positions and they get a chance to continue building and growing.
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