Ah, the mighty push-up exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Why are push-ups so good for you? Here are the 3 reasons why.
Push-ups involve a lot of core. The proper form is to keep the torso straight as possible throughout the movement and the only thing that moves is your arms. Generating the movement from bending and straightening the elbows; nothing else. Want to learn the proper technique? Check out our video on push-ups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSTMaz3W8Pw&t=1s
Also, push-ups are measurable. You can always count the maximum repetitions you can do, but the importance should be on the range of motion. If you cannot get all the way down from your toes, then add an incline. To get the most out of the exercise, you have to bend the elbows a lot. So if it doesn't bend, then you don't get as much triceps and chest activation. When people are able to go deeper, then that is a sign that the upper body improved. It may not be as sexy as losing 10-lbs on the scale, but it is an accomplishment if you are able to perform a full push-up on your toes when you couldn't before.
Lastly, is how push-ups strengthen your wrists. There aren't many movements that place weight on your arms, but push-ups are one of them. This weight-bearing component of push-ups will make the bones stronger. There are 8 of them in the wrists and connected to 2 forearm bones: the radius and ulna. When the push-up is performed, the junction of the bones in the wrists and distal part of the forearm bend. This may be uncomfortable at first, but a lot has to deal with the lack of mobility. The wrists are rarely in extension (where the fingers go towards you) in daily activities and as a result, they start losing the ability to bend that way. Push-ups reinforce this movement and help bring back that mobility that is compromised from being on the computer and cellphone.
Hope you enjoyed this month's blog. Stay tuned for more next year! -Kei