Push-up - Definition and Overview

A press up (also push up) is a common strength training exercise performed while lying horizontal and face down, raising and lowering using the arms. In the full press up, the back and legs are straight and off the floor. Several variations are seen, besides the common push up. Including, bringing the thumbs and index fingers of your hands together (a diamond pushup) as well as having your elbows point towards your knees. These two variations are intended to put greater emphasis on the tricep muscles rather then the shoulder and chest muscles. When both hands are unbalanced or on uneaven surfaces, this exersize also works the body core.

Press ups are a basic exercise used in military physical training.

See also

• Sit-up
• Bench press

External links

• Illustrations of how to do proper push ups (http://www.ehow.com/how_3190_proper-push-.html)
• Descriptions and animated pictures of press ups and variations (http://www.netfit.co.uk/press_up%20_circuits.html)

Example Usage of Push-up