Pushups strengthen many muscles. Fitness trainers commonly include them in routines, and the "New York Times" considers them "the ultimate barometer of fitness." You may think pushups only develop the chest; in fact, this popular compound exercise works many other areas. Your shoulders and triceps play crucial roles; your back, core and lower body get involved too. Pushups strengthen virtually the whole body.
Chest
Pushups primarily develop your pectorals, or pecs. On display in magazines or the beach, pecs play key mechanical roles: They move the shoulder and shoulder blade during pushups. The pectoralis major has two heads, the ExRx website explains: clavicular and sternal. The smaller clavicular head --- the upper pec --- begins at the clavicle. The sternal head --- the lower, larger pec --- begins at the sternum and upper ribs.
Shoulders
The deltoid, or shoulder muscle, has three heads. The pecs and anterior, or front, deltoid lift and lower the upper body during pushups. The anterior delt begins at the clavicle and inserts into your upper arm. The delts and pecs work in concert during pushups. As you strengthen your chest, you strengthen your shoulders.
Triceps
The triceps brachii are the third crucial pushup muscle group. You'll find them on the back upper portion of your arm. They run down from your shoulders to your elbows. Long, lateral and medial heads compose the triceps. During pushups, your triceps extend your shoulder joint and arms, the Sports Injury Clinic website notes. You do this repeatedly during pushups; they definitely build your triceps.
Additional Muscles
Although the following muscles play secondary roles, pushups still build strength in them. Your back, biceps, forearms and rotator cuff support your torso. Your abs also stabilize your upper body. Pushups engage the lower body from your hips to legs. As the "Times" reports, pushups affect nearly all muscles.
Considerations
Pushups strengthen muscles without weights. Body-weight exercise, however, has limits. It's less effective for big muscle gains. If you can't perform pushups, modify them. Try pushing off a wall, for instance, to build strength. There are many pushup options beyond the typical gym-class variety. All strengthen muscles previously mentioned, but to different degrees. Discuss with your physician or trainer whether pushups are right for you.
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