Wondering “what muscles do push-ups work?”
Learn how variations in both form and tempo can change the effects of push-ups on the body.
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Much like ice cream flavors, there arepush-up variationsfor every mood.
trainer at theFhitting Room in NYCwith certifications in personal training, kettlebells, strength and conditioning, pre- and post-natal fitness, TRX, and running mechanics
They can also help with posture which can help reduce the risk of injury.
What muscles do push-ups work?
A traditional push-up primarly works the chest, triceps, and the front and backs of the shoulders.
Your core includes the muscles that wrap around your trunk.
Do push-ups build muscle mass?
While push-ups engage your muscles and arestrengthening exercises, theyre not known as a mass-building exercise.
The difference is thatbuilding massusually requires progressively adding load and resistance in the form of extra weight.
But I still recommend that everyone incorporatepushupsinto their routines due to its functional aspect.
These modifications can allow you to work different muscle groups.
trainer at theFhitting Room in NYCwith certifications in personal training, kettlebells, strength and conditioning, pre- and post-natal fitness, TRX, and running mechanics
Changes with tempo can also make the exercise a cardiovascular one.
Pushupsare also awesome for improving flexibility and range of motion in the upper body.
How many push-ups should you do per day?
The answer to this question can vary based on the bang out of push-up that youre doing.
For specific numbers, theAmerican College of Sports Medicinehas a fitness self-assessment chart that is broken down by age.
For a man within that same age range, more than 44 push-ups is excellent.
Both of these increase difficulty and target different muscle groups in the upper body.
Spicing up your selections is also a great way toget better at doing push-ups.
(Get a refresher onhow to do a push-up with perfect form here.)
If this move is still a challenge, no worriestry the incline push-up below.
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Return to start and alternate sides.
As an added bonus, youre also getting a big-time stretch throughout the back of your arms.
Youll use all the same muscles as a standard push-up, but youll be turning things up a notch.
This creates a challenge in the core and the upper body.
Touch your thumbs and fingers together to form a diamond shape.
Then, lower and lift.
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