Strengthening
While many individuals think that push ups are only good for the arms and shoulders, they are actually a very good all-around muscle workout that also engages the back, abdomen and legs. Push ups create lean muscle mass, develop muscle strength and toning and work every muscle in the arms and shoulders, front and back. Chest and upper back muscles also benefit from push ups that help improve posture, balance and strength.
Metabolism
Push ups boost metabolism, or the rate at which your muscles burn energy. Push ups burn about 225 calories in 45 minutes, but you don't have to do 45 minutes of push ups to benefit from them. For example, a 140-pound person who spends 10 minutes performing vigorous push ups will burn approximately 84 calories, while a 140-pound person performing 15 minutes of push ups will burn 126. Perform sets of push ups that range between 10 to 20, depending on ability, and take a one- to two-minute break between repetitions. Start slow, and gradually add push ups to your routine, and before you know it, you'll be doing more than you thought you could.
Additional Health Benefits
Push ups performed on a regular basis not only strengthen and tone the muscles, but also increase endurance and stamina in the body, and stabilize blood pressure and blood glucose levels, especially when incorporated into a healthy, balanced diet. Push ups increase blood flow throughout the body, and are a great warm-up exercise to engage in before an aerobic or weight-lifting routine, and can be a great way to reduce fat stores in the body.
Member Comments