No, this post is not about b00bs! I'm not talking push up brahhhhhs [although I probably should being a member of the itty bitty club]. And no, I am not perfect! I'm talking the actual physical act of doing a push up. With perfect form.
LAWD HAVE MERCY LADIES, if I had a penny for EVERY incorrect push up I have seen a girl do since college, I wouldn't have to work another day the rest of my life. And today, I am doing MY part to correct and help y'all so we can create a perfect push up world :)
Let me say for the record: I am NOT a certified trainer or fitness expert. I DO NOT have a degree in physical education or training. I've NEVER trained someone for money in my life. But, I have been told numerous times by trainers [men & women] military personnel [men & women] coaches [men & women] and most importantly my family [army dad, gymnast mama and two bada$$ sissy athletes] that I have LEGIT push up technique and form. Not meant as some kind of humble brag, but those are the credentials I'm rolling with for my post today. [As always, check with a doctor before starting a new workout regimen].
Ladies, push ups are NOT that hard. Are they hard, YES! But, there are modifications to help build stamina to complete multiple push ups, using CORRECT FORM! I do modified push ups all the time in BODYPUMP because doing multiple sets of push ups is NOT easy. Heck, you can even start out doing push ups against the wall if modified pushups are still too much for you. No matter where you are starting out it is important to begin with GOOD FORM and then progress as you get stronger.
Recently, I have seen WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too many girls, instructors,
fitness bloggies, athletes, teammates and BODYPUMP participats doing push ups with
HORRIBLE form! This has to stop. Not only are you making push ups harder on yourself, you look funny.
Sorry, but that's the truth. So, today I'm posting a video explaining the proper technique for push ups. You'll see demonstrations for pushups with and without modifications. #donthateonthemodifiedpushup
Don't have time to watch the video? No sweat [haha] here are some pictures and technique tips:
Modified push up [on knees]
YES!
*Keep a straight line from your crown to your knees, through your butt/hips.
*Bend your arms so your chest is barely higher than the ground.
*DON'T let your butt/hips go up in the air.
*DON'T only go down an inch.
Regular push ups [on toes]
*Keep a straight line from your crown to your feet.
*Tighten your abs, will help maintain good form.
*DON'T let your butt/hips stay high in the air.
*DON'T let your hips/butt sag low to the ground.
*DON'T just barely bend your arms, THAT DOESN'T COUNT.
*When you feel your form failing, switch to modified
INSTEAD of trying to power through incorrectly.
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I hope the video and pictures were helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to shoot me an email or leave them in the comments. YOU CAN DO PUSH UPS CORRECTLY LADIES! I KNOW YOU CAN!
*This post was written a few years ago [hence the rando background], but for some reason disappeared from the blog. So, I'm re-posting now because after two BODYPUMP classes this week with HORRIBLE push ups everywhere I just HAD to say something. If I sound judgmental, I am. There is NO excuse for bad push up form, none!
linking up *here* *here* *here*
