How to Master Push-Ups: Beginner

Push-ups are one of the best exercises for developing pushing strength and power for the upper body. But, for a beginner, especially someone who is out of shape, it can be a challenge. Not to worry, you have to start somewhere, right? Even if you cannot perform 1 push-up, you can easily work up to it! Let's get started, improvements will come quickly for the beginner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A floor!
• Your determination to finally take it on and conquer the push-up!

1. The push-up: Chest down, with hands placed about shoulder width. Look forward and straighten the arms as you push up from the floor. Do not arch your back as you push-up. Exhale as you straighten out your arms. Give a brief pause in top position and continue. If you cannot perform a regular push-up, then do it from your knees, and not on your toes.
2. When starting out, you won't have a lot of endurance. If you use good form,(you always should) and can do lets say 5 push-ups, then continue from the knees to put in more reps. Workout every other day or so, and you will find your strength and endurance will build fairly quickly. Put form 1st, and concentrate on the move.
3. As you improve through time, Add more sets. Once you can do about 20 strict push-ups, you have graduated to the intermediate level.(Look for my article for intermediate level). If u began not able to do 1 push-up and get up to 20, you should feel great about yourself!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't feel bad if you cannot do 1 or just a few push-ups when you start out. (All you can do from here is to improve, right?)
• Form comes 1st! Doing extra reps, while sacrificing form is a waste and can cause injury.
• Once you can do 15-20 strict push-ups, move up to intermediate workout
• Consult with a doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
• Don't try to do too much too soon. Results will come, no worries!