"Why do I need to know how to do push ups? Can't I do something else instead?"
Yes, you could but the simple, uncomplicated, not so scientific answer is that push ups are one of the single most effective fitness movements you can perform. They strengthen you core... notice I didn't say abs. There is a difference. They strengthen your shoulders and your back. They build your chest... and yes ladies yours too. You want the girls standing proud... just saying. They even engage your legs, biceps and triceps. So they just about cover it all.
And so a better question to ask is why not learn how to do push ups?
"But I can't."... "I'm too weak."... "My back hurts"... "I can't get up off the floor."... The excuses are endless and I have surely heard them all. BUT... they are just that excuses.
Do you think a professional baseball player knew how to play ball from birth? No. It took practice. He had a goal in mind, maybe at first just a passion, but he focused, worked on it and learned how to succeed.
And since you are reading this article, I assume you have a goal too... a goal to lose weight, tone up, get in shape and live a healthier more vibrant life. Am I right? Learning how to do push ups is a great tool to use for those goals.
So, you can't do a push up today. No problem. Let's start practicing.
I'm going to show you the 3 basic levels of push ups in videos today... wall, knee (aka ladies) and military. There are a myriad of other forms but these are the ones that you need to begin with and master before getting creative and all wild on me... hehe...
But first, let's talk about some tips for learning how to do push ups.
Do Them
Seriously. Don't just say you can't and talk about wishing you could. Find a wall or a floor and do them. You'll never learn if you don't start by trying and trying again and again.
Understand Them
I shared with you some of the key "whys" already. So now you need to be mindful of the form and begin feeling the movement as you learn it. What does that mean? Pay attention to what is working as you practice. The more you do, the more you will engage and the better you will become and more quickly you will learn how to do push ups effectively.
For example, as you practice, think about what your arms are doing. Feel them working. Picture them working in your mind's eye. Focus your mental energy on that process. And do that muscle by muscle.
Start Slow
You don't have to learn how to do diamond push ups first. Start at the beginning and build from there! Master one form then progress to the next.
Challenge Yourself
Just because you learn how to do push ups on your knees doesn't mean you should stop there. Challenge yourself and take it to the next level!
Strive to be better today than yesterday.
Mix It Up
Even at beginner level, say wall push ups, you can mix it up with varied hand and foot placement. Narrow, wide, staggered. By doing so you will encourage strength and muscle development from several planes of motion and expedite your progress.
Use Your Whole Body
I mentioned before that push ups engage just about every muscle group of the body so use them all. Don't just focus on the arms pushing you off the wall or the floor. Engage your whole body as you learn how to do push ups.
Don't Give Up
It may be a slow process. Don't give up! Keep practicing. Be persistent consistent and dedicated to the journey. Rinse, lather, repeat!
Pat Yourself on the Back
Once you learn how to do push ups, whether wall or other form, celebrate. It is a great achievement and one that will do your body well. And then keep on going!
Look, I know that as a beginner, push ups can be intimidating. Been there, done that. But I also know that you can do it! So don't make excuses and call them reasons anymore. Start practicing. And to help you do that, here are three videos for you to use.
WALL PUSHUPS
KNEE PUSHUPS
MILITARY PUSHUPS
Okay... so you have the whys, you have the tools... now get started. Learn how to do push ups and do something awesome for your body. I promise you that this anytime, anywhere fitness movement is a friend not a foe. All you need to do is #justdoit! So, will you? Who will take up the challenge?
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_Mason-Liebenberg
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