In a world full of advanced workout routines and expensive exercise equipment, the basic pushup remains one of the most effective ways to build upper-body strength. To perform a pushup, place your palms on the ground about shoulder-width apart and extend your legs straight out behind you. Push up your torso while keeping only your hands and toes in contact with the ground. Lower your chest until it almost touches the floor and repeat. This simple motion uses your own body weight to provide numerous health benefits.
Convenient
Pushups may be performed anywhere, from the gym to the comfort of your own home. Pushups don't require extensive space or any other additional equipment, so it's easy to do sets of 10 or 20 at different points throughout the day, even if you're at work. Due to their convenience, pushups help you maintain a regular exercise routine, resulting in a healthier lifestyle and faster strength building.
Efficient
A compound exercise, pushups work more than one joint at a time, forcing the elbows and shoulders to share the work load. Compound exercises efficiently build strength because the movement engages multiple muscle groups at once. A standard pushup targets not only the arms but also the shoulders, the back, the chest and even the abdomen. Pushups can build muscle and improve strength much faster than other upper-body exercises.
Customizable
Unlike other basic exercises, the pushup boasts many variations to target specific muscle groups. For instance, spreading your palms farther apart will place greater emphasis on your chest and the lat muscles of the back. Performing diamond pushups, with a narrow arm position and your fingers turned inward to form a diamond shape with your hands, targets the triceps. Simply elevating your feet on a bench, stool or exercise ball will intensify the movement, forcing you to push more of your body weight.
Versatile
Pushups do more than simply build muscle strength. Weight-bearing resistance exercises build bone density, making bones stronger and more resistant to injury. The pushup movement also improves joint stability, particularly in the shoulders, further reducing the risk of injury during physical activity. Pushups even provide a cardio workout, increasing the heart rate and helping elevate the metabolism to burn calories. Finally, performing lots of pushups may boost confidence as well, not only shaping a fit body but generating pride in being able to accomplish such a notable test of strength.
Member Comments