Push-Ups

OK, we've all heard about push-ups at least once in our lives. And they may seem a little bit boring and 'old school', but let me tell you that push-ups are one of the BIG FIVE compound exercises. They use the full body – the chest and triceps being the main muscles to bear the load.

The Starting Position

Start you push-ups on the floor lying face down. Lift your body on your toes and hands. Feet slightly apart, palms just wider than shoulder width apart, and directly underneath your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line from ankles to head. For this you will need to brace your abs and lower body. Don't let your bum sag below that straight line. And don't allow your head or the middle of your shoulders to drop in any part of your push-up motion.

The Motions

Lower your body until your chest is about an inch or two off the floor. Keep your body in the straight alignment you had at the start.

Then push your body back up to the starting position.

There are an awesome number of variations of the common push-ups. The Divebomber Push-ups are my favorite – as they really kick butt!