One of the best bodyweight workouts is the push-up. They can help you gain significant muscular growth in your triceps, shoulders, and chest when performed often with good form and high repetitions. However, push-ups may be quite difficult for beginners. You try to push yourself up after getting on the floor, but nothing occurs. Or perhaps you do one rep before your arms fail you. Try a specific activity if you’re having trouble pushing yourself to do push-ups.
If you are unable to perform push-ups, don’t give up. The fact that your upper body isn’t strong enough yet may be the true problem rather than the push-up itself. You must first strengthen your arms, shoulders, and chest in order to perform push-ups correctly and increase your repetitions. Therefore, begin with activities that enhance your ability to accomplish push-ups. These specific exercises will help you build strength, balance, and endurance required to perform push-ups and improve your performance every day.
Exercises to improve push-ups:
It can support the development of core and upper body strength. It involves doing push-ups against a wall while standing with your hands shoulder-width apart.
1. Push-ups on the wall: It can support the development of core and upper body strength. It involves doing push-ups against a wall while standing with your hands shoulder-width apart.
2. Push-ups on an incline: The triceps, shoulders, and chest are strengthened by this workout. It is more difficult than wall push-ups but simpler than complete push-ups. It involves keeping your body in a straight line, performing push-ups, and placing your hands on an elevated surface (such as a bench, table, or box).
3. Push-ups on a diamond wall: It helps build the arm strength required for a complete push-up lockout by vigorously targeting the triceps and inner chest. Use your hands in a diamond formation (thumbs and index fingers touching) to complete wall push-ups.
4. Knee push-ups: This exercise may strengthen the arms, core, and chest when done on a regular basis. Maintaining a straight line from head to knees, begin in a push-up stance with your knees on the floor.
5. Pushups that are negative: It increases muscular endurance, control, and strength. Regular practice can help you get better at push-ups. It involves carefully lowering yourself from the top of a plank or push-up to the ground in 5–10 seconds, then resetting.
6. High-plank supports: It is an excellent exercise for correcting posture and aids in the development of full-body stability and awareness. Hold a high plank position for 30 to 60 seconds with your arms out and your torso straight.
7. Push-ups of the scapula: It increases stability during push-ups by strengthening the upper back and improving shoulder blade control. To do it, place yourself in a high plank posture and, without bending your elbows, retract (pinch) and protract (spread) your shoulder blades.
8. Dumbbell chest press: It builds pushing strength, critical for upper body development. To perform it, lie on a bench or the floor and press dumbbells from your chest upward, then lower them under control.
9. Tricep dips on a chair or bench: A crucial muscle for push-ups, the triceps, is isolated. Additionally, it helps increase arm endurance and definition. It involves sitting on a stable bench, sliding off with your hands behind you, and utilizing your triceps to raise and lower your body.
10. Dumbbell raises in front: It promotes pushing motions and fortifies the front shoulders. It involves standing with dumbbells at your sides, raising them straight up to shoulder level, and then lowering them gradually.
How are push-ups performed?
Although they may appear easy, push-ups may be rather difficult if you have never done them before. It’s crucial to perform them correctly to prevent harm and get the greatest outcomes. Thus, to execute a decent push-up, adhere to these 7 simple steps:
- Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart to begin in the high plank posture.
- From your head to your heels, make sure your body is in a straight line.
- To maintain your body steady and prevent your back from arching or drooping, contract your glutes and core.
- Breathe deeply while you bend your elbows and get your chest as close to the floor as you can without touching it.
- After a brief pause, bring your body back to the beginning position by pushing through your palms. As you stand up, release your breath.
- Avoid locking your elbows and maintain a neutral neck position.
- Perform three sets of 12–15 reps.
Why should you perform push-ups on a daily basis?
One of the greatest full-body workouts that works several muscle groups simultaneously is the push-up, which requires no special equipment. When performed correctly, it engages your back and legs in addition to your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. The International Journal of Fitness claims that push-ups assist develop muscle, strengthen the upper body, and improve posture and balance.
Push-ups are also good for weight reduction since they increase your metabolism and help you burn calories. Additionally, they increase functional fitness, which makes you feel stronger when performing daily tasks like lifting weights, standing up, and bending.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.