Push-ups not only work your chest, but they also do a great job of defining your abs, triceps, shoulders and torso, says One Hundred Pushups. This exercise is effective for building upper body muscle tone and improving overall fitness. There are many variations of the push-up and each one targets certain muscle groups more then others.
Standard Push-Ups
A standard push-up will utilize your chest, triceps, shoulder, abdominals, lower back and legs when performed properly. A standard-width push-up is a push-up that is performed on the floor or on push-up stand with your palms shoulder-width apart. You use your upper body muscles to move your body up and down while your legs and core keep your back flat and stabilize your weight.
Decline Push-Ups
Decline push-ups concentrate on your chest and shoulder muscle groups. Decline push-ups are similar to normal push-ups, only instead of placing your toes on the floor, you place your toes on a solid surface above the floor, such as a bench or step, says Kristen's Guide.
Diamond Push-Ups
Diamond push-ups focus on the triceps and chest muscles, says the SportsInjuryClinic.net. The hand positioning on this push-up is different from that of a standard push-up. You create a diamond shape on the ground with your hands by touching your index fingers and thumbs together. Also, this push-up requires a wider stance with your feet compared to the shoulder width stance used during a standard push-up. The diamond push-up is recommended for experienced exercisers as it requires good body control and precise technique.
Isometric Pushups
Isometric exercises, or static strength training, involve muscular movements in which the length of the muscle doesn't change and there is no visible movement at the joint, says Sports Fitness Advisor. Isometric push-ups work your upper body with a concentration on your core to stay stable. An isometric push-up can be held at two points, at the top of the push-up and at the bottom when your chest is hovering above the floor. Pausing during the push-up requires great core strength which will utilize your abs and lower back along with your chest, shoulders and triceps.
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