How to Do a Push Up Right

Learn how to do a push-up right to increase your upper body strength.

Not only can push-ups help you develop strong upper body muscles, you can perform them almost anywhere without any special equipment. Although a push-up looks almost effortless when a strong person perform one, a correct push-up requires strong shoulders and arm muscles. Learn how to do a push-up right to increase your upper body strength and stamina.

Instructions

1. Kneel on the floor to assume the proper push-up position. Place your hands on the floor so your fingers point forward. Position your hands slightly wider than your shoulders.

2. Stretch your body out straight back from your shoulders. You have the option of placing your legs straight out, balancing on your toes, or supporting your lower body on your bent knees. Straight-leg push-ups are more difficult than push-ups performed on bent knees.

3. Hold your arms straight down from your shoulders as you begin the push-ups, keeping your elbows locked.

4. Hold your abdominal and gluteal muscles tightly as you perform the push-ups to keep these muscles tight and to protect your lower back. Keep your neck straight and your head in line with the rest of your body without jutting your chin out as you perform the push-ups.

5. Lower your chest slowly to the floor by bending your elbows. Continue lowering yourself until your chest almost reaches the floor and your elbows bend at 90-degree angles. Keep your body in a straight line without raising your backside during the push-ups.

6. Pause briefly and then push up from the lowest position by pushing your arms up to a straight position again.

7. Continue performing the push-ups to exercise your upper body. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 push-ups. If you become too tired as you perform the push-ups, make them easier by moving from your toes to your knees. If you are already on your knees, perform fewer push-ups in your sets until you become stronger.

Tips & Warnings

• Strive for perfect form as you perform the push-ups. Keeping your form as flawless as possible will derive the most benefits.

References

• Warrior Fitness World: How To Perform Pushups Correctly