How to Do a Push Up

The push up is, of course, a fitness classic aimed at strengthening the upper body--particularly the chest, shoulders, triceps, and abs. But even this well-known exercise is often done wrong, and sometimes avoided due to its difficulty.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Do a Push Up

1. Kneel on your hands and knees. Make sure your hands are lined up with your shoulders.

2. Extend your right leg, then your left leg, until only your hands and your toes are touching the ground.

3. Bend your arms, bringing your chest within two or three inches of the ground. Inhale as you go down. Keep straight!

4. Push against the ground to straighten your arms, lifting your body back into the starting position. Exhale as you come up. You've just completed one push up.

5. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 as many times as you can.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your abs nice and tight during the entire exercise. This will help you maintain proper form while avoiding injury to your lower back.
• An easier, modified form of push up can be performed by supporting your body on your knees rather than your toes, while crossing your ankles a few inches above the ground.
• No slumping your back! This is where people are most likely to get push ups wrong. Make sure your body is absolutely straight, beginning with Step 2.

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