Are you one of the many who still struggles to do a full push-up? You’re not alone, but you shouldn’t give up on this powerful strength training move! Push-ups are a great, do anywhere movement that works your entire body, particularly your chest, core and triceps. This guide will help you get on your way to doing push-ups like a pro!
Start Push-Ups From The Ground
To make sure you are doing your push-ups with the correct form, you should start with your body on the ground. Lock your legs and flex your abs to push through the ground and lift up. If you notice you can’t maintain a flat back, this means you probably need to modify the move and keep practicing before doing a full push-up.
Modification Is Key
Forcing yourself to do push-ups by using bad form is terrible for your muscles and joints. You put yourself at risk for injury by going too fast too soon. Modifications can include doing push-ups from your knees or even standing with hands on a wall. Repeated practice will ensure you work your way to a regular full push-up!
Always Keep Your Back Flat
When you stick your butt up and lose a flat back, you reduce the amount of work needed for your core. An arched back can also lead to excess pressure on your shoulders. Any sagging at the hips can also cause you to have strain on your hip flexors. To make sure you have proper form, remember to activate your core throughout the push-up movement. It’s essentially a moving plank!
Aim For Quality, Not Quantity
You might feel like a rockstar for ripping out 20 quick, half down push-ups, but this form is both bad and lacking in providing real results. The wrong form and quick movements can result in muscle imbalances and possible injury. A solid 5 push-ups is better than 20 improper ones any day!
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