How to Do a Proper Push-Up

Series Summary

Many people want to lose weight, and despite claims for quick fat burning pills and powders, the best way to lose weight is still through proper diet and exercise. Exercise does more than just maintain physical fitness. Working out also helps build healthy bone density, muscle strength and joint mobility. It also reduces general health risks, boosts the immune system and helps with depression and insomnia. Whether exercising to lose weight or improve muscle mass, working out is always a good idea to help promote a healthy body and mind. In this free video series a fitness director runs through a basic exercise plan. Some of the simplest exercises can be the most effective, and getting in shape doesn't require a bunch of expensive equipment. Discover easy ways to lose weight and tone muscles with demonstrations of proper push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and jumping jacks.

Video Transcript

"Hi I'm Les Whitley. Today I'd like to show you how to do a push up the right way. Begin hands at about shoulder's width. Hands directly beneath shoulders. Now you can vary by moving your hands out slightly wider, but typically not much closer then shoulder's width. Ideally you don't want your hands out in front of your shoulders or too far behind your shoulders. So that they stay in a good line position. Body should be at a straight line from my heels to my shoulders. Eyes should remain neutral down to the ground. Body in a straight line position as I lower using my upper body till my chest is almost to the floor, to push up to full extension. Lower down under control and push up to complete the full repetition. Biggest issues of concern here is letting the back sag down, having the hands too far out in front or the hips sticking up in the air. Gradually progress using the proper technique as your upper body gets stronger adding more repetitions as you go. Start out with a good technique, progress slowly, and go at your own pace."