Next to pull-ups, push-ups are my fave. I LOVE push ups. When executed correctly and safely, they utilize the entire body: arms, shoulders, back, abs, thighs…all to a certain degree. Think of the push-up like a plank, at the top and at the bottom.
Push-ups don’t just work the arms and chest. A strong and stable back and core are required to maximize muscle recruitment and efficiency.
If you’re looking to further your push-up game, build upper body and core strength, and “tone” those arms and tummy, master the push up technique first. You can check out my push-up and plank tutorial HERE: Lean & Strong Arms & Abs 2 – Planks and Push-Ups
Learn to engage the abs, stabilize the shoulders via external rotation,pull through the chest, engage the lats, and strengthen the wrists.
Then, try these dive-bomber variations (video below)! (aka hindu push-ups, yoga push-ups, etc)
These moves require lots of body control, stability, and some explosiveness. Again, master the regular push up first.
Here’s one more awesome visual to improve your push-up technique and reduce the chance of injury!