5 Army Pushup Tips

Introduction to Army Pushups

When it comes to building upper body strength, few exercises are as effective as the pushup. In the army, pushups are a staple of physical training, and for good reason - they work multiple muscle groups at once, including the chest, shoulders, and triceps. However, performing a proper pushup can be challenging, especially for those new to exercise. In this article, we’ll provide five tips for performing army-style pushups, helping you to improve your form and get the most out of your workout.

Tip 1: Start in the Correct Position

To perform an army pushup, start by getting into a plank position. This means placing your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart, with your arms straight and your hands directly under your shoulders. Your feet should be hip-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed between your hands and toes. Engage your core muscles by drawing your belly button towards your spine, and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.

Tip 2: Lower Your Body Slowly

Once you’re in the correct position, slowly lower your body towards the ground. Keep your elbows close to your body, avoiding the temptation to flare them out to the sides. Lower yourself down until your chest nearly touches the ground, then pause for a moment before pushing back up to the starting position. Remember to breathe naturally, inhaling as you lower yourself down and exhaling as you push back up.

Tip 3: Use the Correct Muscle Groups

A common mistake when performing pushups is to rely too heavily on the shoulders and triceps, rather than using the chest muscles as well. To avoid this, focus on squeezing your chest muscles as you lower yourself down, and try to keep your shoulders down and away from your ears. This will help you to maintain proper form and get the most out of your workout.

Tip 4: Avoid Letting Your Hips Sag

As you perform your pushups, it’s essential to keep your hips in line with the rest of your body. Avoid letting your hips sag towards the ground, as this can put unnecessary strain on your lower back and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Instead, focus on keeping your core muscles engaged and your body in a straight line from head to heels.

Tip 5: Practice Regularly

Like any exercise, the key to mastering the army pushup is to practice regularly. Start by performing a few sets of pushups each day, and gradually increase the number of reps as you build strength and endurance. Remember to listen to your body and take regular breaks to avoid injury or burnout. With consistent practice and a focus on proper form, you’ll be performing army-style pushups like a pro in no time.

🏋️ Note: It's essential to warm up before starting any exercise routine, including pushups. Take a few minutes to stretch your arms, shoulders, and chest, and get your blood flowing with some light cardio.

To summarize, performing army pushups requires a combination of proper form, consistent practice, and attention to detail. By following these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to building the strength and endurance you need to succeed in your fitness goals. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, the army pushup is an excellent exercise for building upper body strength and improving overall fitness.