Push-ups are an excellent exercise for building upper body strength and endurance, but they can be challenging to perform. Most people find it difficult to do more than a few push-ups before their arms give out. However, with the right technique and training, you can improve your push-up count in no time. Here are 10 tips to help you boost your push-up count.
1. Correct Your Form
Proper form is essential to maximizing the benefits of push-ups and avoiding injury. To do a push-up correctly, start by getting into a plank position with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your chest almost touches the floor, keeping your elbows close to your body. Push yourself back up through your arms, keeping your core engaged throughout the movement.
One common mistake people make is to let their hips sag or rise too high. This puts unnecessary strain on your lower back and makes the exercise less effective. Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, and engage your core to help you maintain this position.
2. Gradually Increase Your Reps
The best way to improve your push-up count is to do more push-ups! However, it’s important to increase your reps gradually to avoid overexerting yourself and risking injury. Start by doing as many push-ups as you can with good form, and then rest for a minute or two. Repeat this cycle for several sets, gradually increasing the number of reps you do each time.
Try to aim for a steady increase of 2-3 reps for each set. For example, if you can do five push-ups in your first set, aim for seven in your second set, and so on. If you find that you’re struggling to complete a set with good form, take a longer rest between sets or reduce the number of reps you’re doing.
3. Use a Modified Push-Up
If you’re struggling with regular push-ups, don’t be afraid to modify the exercise to make it easier. This can help you build strength and improve your form without risking injury or overexertion. Some modified push-ups you can try include:
- Kneeling push-ups: start in a modified plank position with your knees on the ground and your feet crossed. Lower yourself down until your chest almost touches the ground, then push back up through your arms.
- Incline push-ups: place your hands on a bench, step, or other elevated surface and perform push-ups from this position. This reduces the amount of weight you have to lift and can make the exercise easier.
- Wall push-ups: stand facing a wall with your arms extended and your palms flat against the wall. Bend your elbows to lower yourself towards the wall, then push back up. This is a good option for beginners or those with limited mobility.
4. Add Resistance
If you’re already comfortable with regular push-ups, adding resistance can help you build even more strength and endurance. You can do this by using resistance bands, weights, or even just a backpack filled with books.
One effective method is to do push-ups with your hands elevated on two weights or books. This increases the range of motion and makes the exercise more challenging. You can also try doing push-ups with a resistance band looped around your back, or wearing a weighted vest or backpack.
5. Strengthen Your Core
Having a strong core is essential for performing push-ups correctly and efficiently. Your core muscles help to stabilize your body and maintain good form throughout the movement. To strengthen your core, try incorporating exercises like planks, sit-ups, and bicycle crunches into your workout routine.
6. Improve Your Shoulder Stability
Shoulder stability is also important for performing push-ups safely and effectively. Strong, stable shoulders can help prevent injury and improve your range of motion. Try incorporating exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, and rows into your workout routine to strengthen your shoulders.
7. Stretch Regularly
Stretching is important for maintaining flexibility and preventing injury. Before and after your push-up workout, take a few minutes to stretch your chest, shoulders, and arms. Some good stretches to try include chest stretches, arm circles, and shoulder rolls.
8. Rest and Recover
Rest is just as important as exercise when it comes to building strength and endurance. Allow your muscles time to rest and recover between workouts, and don’t overexert yourself. Aim to include one or two rest days in your weekly routine, and listen to your body if you’re feeling fatigued or sore.
9. Stay Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to improving your push-up count. Aim to do push-ups at least three times a week, and gradually increase the number of reps you do over time. Stick with it even if you don’t see results right away – building strength and endurance takes time and effort.
10. Mix Up Your Routine
Doing the same workout routine day after day can quickly become boring and lead to a plateau in your progress. Mix things up by trying different types of push-ups, adding new exercises to your routine, or increasing the amount of weight or resistance you’re using. This will keep your workouts challenging and help you continue to build strength and endurance.
Conclusion
Improving your push-up count takes time and effort, but with the right technique and training, it’s definitely achievable. By following these 10 tips, you can build strength, endurance, and confidence in your ability to perform push-ups correctly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How many push-ups should I do each time?
- A: The number of push-ups you should do depends on your fitness level and goals. Aim to do as many as you can with good form, and gradually increase the number of reps over time.
- Q: How often should I do push-ups?
- A: Aim to do push-ups at least three times a week, allowing for rest and recovery time between workouts.
- Q: How can I make push-ups easier?
- A: You can make push-ups easier by using a modified push-up, such as kneeling push-ups or wall push-ups, or by reducing the number of reps you’re doing.
- Q: Can push-ups help me lose weight?
- A: While push-ups alone won’t cause significant weight loss, they can help you build muscle mass and boost your metabolism, which can aid in weight loss efforts.
References:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-do-a-proper-push-up
- https://www.self.com/story/push-up-tips-trainers
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/pushups/art-20048337