The Power of Pushups

Do you ever wonder why the military forces their recruits to do countless amounts of pushups? Well the answer is simple, doing pushups is a great exercise that works almost all the muscles of your upper body and can be performed almost anywhere imaginable, how perfect. Lets begin with the basics of pushups, what muscles do they works exactly, how many types of pushups are there, and how to do them properly.

Pushups work almost every muscle in the upper body. The most prominent muscles involved are the deltoids, triceps, neck, upper and lower back, and chest or pectorals. All these muscles are worked in sync when the pushup is performed properly, so lets continue with that. The proper way to do a pushup is to have your feet placed firmly together in the pushup position. Keep your back straight and head facing right in front of you; it's a common misconception to have your face into the ground as this does not work the neck muscles. Ok lets continue, when you go down to do your pushup inhale and exhale as you come up. Continue this routine for every pushup. The breathing is a good way to keep count while providing extra energy or chi to your body actually allowing you to do more pushups per set.

The next important part to remember about pushups is that there are many different types of pushups which put additional resistance on the body part you want to work out most. For instance, having your arms spread as far as possible places additional resistance on the chest. Forming a triangle with your hands allows you to work your triceps to a greater extent. These are the stances associated with pushups.

The many exercises that are part of the pushup regimen include doing them very fast, slowly, and doing the clapping pushups which are the most difficult. Doing pushups very fast is great for if your looking to lean out your muscles. Doing them very slowly will actually increase your strength by keeping the muscles in contraction longer. Clapping pushups are probably the best kind, they require you to explode up and clap your hands working all the muscles in the body while increasing your arm and hand speed; this is why they are personal favorites of most boxers and martial artists. If these kinds of pushups ever become too easy, you could always increase the resistance by either putting a backpack (with books or weights) on your back while doing the pushups, or placing your feet on an elevated surface, or if your just a beast do both.

Now that you know how to do pushups properly, incorporate them into a daily regimen. I recommend right in the morning when you wake up to get the blood pumping. I know its hard in the morning but its truly the best because you just look like a beast while you go take a shower, it feeds the narcissism in all of us. During the regimen I recommend doing 4 sets of as many reps as possible alternating the many exercises described above. Start with the slow pushups with the hands extended, working and defining the chest. Next, do the slow pushups with your hands brought inward forming a triangle and work those triceps. A good next set to do, involves the speed set with the hands placed in normal pushup position, shoulder width apart. Finally, finish with the clapping pushups, at first they are difficult but they get easier. Please remember proper breathing techniques as they are the essence of increasing your pushup reps and strength.

Pushups are the best exercise for your body. They don't require a membership to the gym, they are easy to do, and they will most certainly bring health and wealth to your life. Try it for a week and I guarantee you will stronger, faster, leaner, and much happier (as will your wife) with your life. Please consult your doctor before beginning a pushup regimen as he knows what's wrong with you and if you are actually able to participate in such a strenuous activity.