A push up is a routine military type of exercise that involves working out the muscles in your chest, arms, and shoulders. Push ups also provide strength and cardio training so these exercises are a great combination, especially for beginners. Once you get the correct form down, you’ll be toning up your arms, getting stronger, increasing your cardiovascular capacity and even possibly dropping a few pounds.
Today we are going to be discussing the best types of push ups for beginners. If you’re looking for a personal trainer in Raleigh, give us a call at CrossFit Invoke.
Push Ups for Beginners
If you’ve never exercised a day in your life you should expect push ups to be a little difficult, especially at first. Do not get discouraged if you are only able to complete a few. Overtime you’ll see major improvements as long as you keep at it.
That being said, push ups are great beginner exercises. They combine simple and repetitive movements that can be done virtually anywhere you are. Push ups are also not very time consuming and you can complete several sets in only a few minutes. Below we are going to list a few of the best types of push ups that beginners can use until they are able to go full military.
Counter Push Ups – This type of push up might be the easiest. You start out in a standing position and locate a counter, railing, or secure item that is high enough that it comes up about the midway point of your body, between your chest and waist. Next you are going to rest your hands on the counter and incline your body until your arms are at an angle perpendicular to your body.
Now lower yourself slowly down to the counter top. When you reach the bottom of your decent, push yourself back up to the former position while keeping your body straight. Complete 3 sets of 15 reps each. This is a great beginner push up for working your shoulder muscles.
Knee Push Ups –If you are able to get down onto the floor, the next step up from the counter push up will be done on your knees. A knee push up relaxes your core muscles instead of stressing them but still allows for your upper body to get trained.
To do a knee push up first you’ll need to get down on the floor into the full push up position. Keep your arms straight out by your sides in a perpendicular position, bend your knees and cross your ankles. Lower yourself to the floor with your arms slowly and push yourself back up once you’ve reached your max depth. For best results, complete 3 sets of knee push ups doing 15-20 reps each set.
Searching for a Personal Trainer in Raleigh? Call Invoke Today
CrossFit Invoke should be your number one choice when you’re searching for a highly rated personal trainer in Raleigh to help you work on your push ups. Our friendly and professionally trained staff is ready to push you to the max so you can get into the best shape of your life. At CrossFit Invoke, we even offer free community and beginner classes. This way you can see what we’re all about without any obligations to join our gym. When you’re ready for a new challenge, give us a call or click here to get started!
