Push-Ups

We learned a simple exercise on how to work our triceps a couple of days ago. That was an exercise which could be basically performed anywhere since it did not require us to have any equipment, nor be member of any fitness club.

Another great exercise is the Push Up, it will work your chest very nicely, and like the “triceps dip” no equipment is necessary. To perform this exercise your hands should be on the floor positioned a bit wider than your shoulders. You are going to push yourself up using your chest muscles. Your hands should not move, and neither should your legs. Make sure you keep your back straight engaging your abdominal muscles.

If you have a little trouble performing the exercise as depicted below, you may want to try it with your knees down on the floor.

The above photograph is the property of its author, Sun Dazed. A link to the photographer’s work can be found here. The image is used under the Creative Commons License.

There are several variations to this exercise including the “incline push-up” where your hands rest on a bench above the floor, and there is also the “decline push-up” where your feet rest on a bench above the floor. But we will not worry about those exercises at least for now.

The push-up, as simple as it looks is a great exercise, you will be lifting your own body weight, and that is on itself an accomplishment you should be proud of.

You have probably seen commercials about handles or other devices that will help you perform a push up “more efficiently”, at least so they claim. The truth is that I have not been able to find any evidence to support those claims, and even though I have not tried doing pushups with those handles advertised on TV, they do seem comfortable. Other than that I do not see any reason why you would want to invest on any of those devices.

Please always use caution when performing any physical activity. It is recommended that you consult with a physician before starting any physical training program.