Push-Ups Workout
Good Strength Training
Push-ups are one of the easiest and most
effective types of resistance exercise to strengthen and stretch the arms
and upper body. As well as traditional push-ups, performed lying flat
on the floor, you can do similar exercises kneeling or standing.
What Muscles are Developed?
Pushups work the triceps (upper-arm), pectoral
musles (chest), latissimus dorsi (back and shoulder) as well as the abdominal
muscles. Working the triceps helps to tone fat that lingers on the back
of the arm.
Position of Hands Affects Muscular Benefits
Where you place your hands when doing push-ups
affects the muscles you develop. By performing pushups with your arms
more than shoulder-width apart, you work the outer chest muscles more.
If your hands are positioned cloer together, the triceps and inner chest
muscles receive a better workout. For advice about how to do push-up exercises
see: Simple Push-Ups, Advanced
Push-Ups and Push-Up Exercises
How Many Push-Ups to Do?
If your upper body is unfit, or out of condition,
or if you are very overweight, don't strain yourself by doing too many
push up exercises. Start with one set of 5 repeats. As your arm and chest
fitness improves, work up to two sets of 10 repeats. If you are a super-athlete,
you may care to know that the highest number of non-stop push-ups performed
in a single workout is 10,507.
Push-Up Stretch
Here is a useful yoga-based stretch to perform
between sets of push-ups, or when you have finished your workout.
- Place hands and knees on the floor.
- Stretch your arms out in front of you.
- As you do so, bring your hips back to your heels.
- Rest forehead on the floor and breathe.
Back to Advice
About Exercise and Fitness Programs
Calorie Intake
For information about the calorie content
of popular food and drinks, please visit: Calories
in Food
Back to Top
|
