1. Not for the Weak
The strong curves push up adds a touch of legwork to the upper body workout that you get from doing push up. You should be comfortable doing push ups before trying this exercise because it will use up all the arm strength that you can muster. Never set yourself up for failure with a new routine by starting it before you are ready. Be able to perform at least 20 to 30 pushups with ease before you tackle this one.
2. Prepare to Push
Stretch before you try this exercise. Stand or sit and reach across your body with one arm. Gently pull with your other hand, grabbing the outstretched arm just above the elbow. Do not bounce, but give it a gentle tug. You may hear some popping in your shoulder with this stretch, especially as you age. Most older people pop when they stretch, but it's just a by-product of years of use and worn sockets. Repeat the stretch on the other arm. Stretch our like a cat by reaching for the ceiling with your hands clasped. While lying on your back, reach behind your head and stretch your entire body.
3. Get on Your Knees
Begin the strong curves push up by getting on your hands and knees. Roll up a towel and place it between your thighs. Start with a thick bath towel and reduce it to a smaller hand towel as you gain momentum with this workout. Place your hands splayed open on the floor in front of you, slightly further out than the edge of your shoulders. Keep your toes pointed downward as you do for regular push ups. Wear shoes with padding in the toes unless you have built up calluses on your feet to handle the pressure.
4. Walk it out
Walk your hands forward until your body is straight out, perpendicular to the floor. Keep squeezing the towel. The thigh squeeze is the hallmark of this routine. If you drop the towel, return it and start over. When you are straight out, lower your body to within on-inch of the floor. Bend your elbows out at a 90-degree angle as you lower yourself. Do eight repetitions and add one each day until you can do 12 reps.
5. Breathe
When performing very stressful routines like the strong curves push up, you might have a tendency to hold your breath. Somehow, it helps you to concentrate on performing the moves correctly. However, lack of good oxygen moving through the veins will only serve to negate the benefits of the workout. Force yourself to breathe slowly in and out as you do the push ups. Breathe in through your nose as you push yourself up and breathe out through the mouth as you lower down.
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