When you think about pushups, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s that challenging bootcamp class you barely survived.
There’s a reason this total-body move is a staple in many workouts, fromHIITtoyogato pure strength training.
Health benefits of pushups.
You are, after all, bending your arms to lower and lift your entire body.
“Pushups are a great upper-body strengthener,” saysStephanie Mansour, Chicago-based certified personal trainer.
Summary
Improved core strength and stability
But pushups aren’tjustabout upper-body strength.
A set of 10 pushups, for example, may be enough.
They support cardiovascular health.
Pushps may support heart health, too, according to a 2019 study on 1,109 adult male firefighters.
Supports strong bones
Pushups do more than build muscles and challenge your heart.
Pushups, if done correctly, can help counteract this by teaching our bodies good positioning, says Zetlin.
Should you do pushups everyday?
There’s no one magic number of pushups that will give you the benefits mentioned above.
Instead, simply try challenging yourself.
Zetlin suggests doing pushups one to three times a week.
Instead, Mansour suggests listening to your body to determine how often to do pushups.
you might tackle your pushups before or aftera cardio workoutor do them as part of a well-roundedresistance training routine.
How to do a pushup.
Mansour says this modification significantly reduces the strength demands on your body while still engaging the same muscles.
Be sure to engage your core so you don’t stress your lower back.
If that happens, don’t get discouraged, says Zetlin.
“Remember that you will overcome this and it’s part of the journey,” he says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need rest days from pushups?
Do pushups build muscle?
The takeaway.
When performed with proper form, pushups are a great way to strengthen your upper body andstabilize your core.
They can also provide a solid cardio challenge, promote good posture, and support healthy bone density.
