Thursday, October 11, 2012

Variety Is The Key To A Push-up Workout

By Ray Santiago


We all know that doing aerobic type exercising is important to a good workout routine. This could be machines like stair climbers, treadmills and bikes. It could also be jogging or running. Equally important is strength training. This includes weight training, sit-ups and a push-up workout.

This works primarily the triceps. These are the muscles at the back of the upper arms. A well rounded routine will also tone the shoulders, back and biceps (front arm muscles). They can even work mens' pectorals and to a lesser extent, get at the abs.

They way to ensure you are working biceps and triceps to the fullest extent is to do a variety of push-up types. One may choose to do certain types on certain days while others may try to do fewer of each every day. Rotating days is one good approach.

The basic kind, which we learned in elementary school, is the traditional form: toes on floor behind you and hands shoulder length apart. Most people do this style. When they attempt to do a different kind for the first time, they may be shocked to find how difficult it is. These people are not weak or out of shape. They simply have not worked their muscles that way before.

One way to change things up is to put the hands closer together, to the point that they are nearly touching. The weight will become distributed in a more concentrated way, making the lifting harder. In addition to using the arms, the chest and shoulders will be called upon.

Alternatively, the hands could be placed further apart. This distributes the weight over a larger area and will be harder for just the arms to handle. The back and abs will be needed to complete this move. Arms, of course, are still getting plenty of work.

Whatever push-up workout you go with, proper form is a must for any amount of success. The body should be in a straight line, neck and back parallel with the floor. The face should always be looking straight down at the floor.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment