Why do pushups if you're not interested in building big huge bodybuilder pecs? Pushups do more than build the chest they strengthen the entire core including abs, low back, upper back, and shoulders. They also sculpt nice arms by working triceps and to some extent biceps. The big bonus is they are a full body movement that burns tons of calories. Get started with either of the pushups below:
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 Standard Pushup 1. Lie face down on the floor with hands palm down, fingers pointing straight ahead, and aligned at the nipple line. 2. Place hands slightly wider than shoulder width, and feet should be at hip width with toes on floor. 3. Start position: Extend the elbows and raise the body off the floor. 4. Lower your entire body (legs, hips, trunk, and head) 4-8 inches from the floor. 5. Return to the start position by extending at the elbows and pushing the body up. 6. Remember to keep the head and trunk stabilized in a neutral position by isometrically contracting the abdominal and back muscles. Never fully lock out the elbows at the start position and avoid hyperextension of the low back. Trainer's comments: |
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 Pushups from knees 1. Start by lying face down and placing your hands near your shoulders with your elbows pointing up. 2. Keeping your trunk straight press your hands into the floor so that your upper body and hips come up off the ground into a push up position. 3. Now you are in a modified push up position from your knees. 4. Bend your elbows so that your chest touches the ground and then repeat by returning to the top position. Trainer's comments: |
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