7

Lately, I have started doing push ups at home. I have started this a year ago, paused and resumed it recently. In-order to maintain and keep of track of it, I am using an Android application.

Having no knowledge of fitness rules to be followed when doing push ups, often I get confused regarding the position when doing push ups.

What should be the distance between my two palms when put on the floor? How wide should I keep my foot? I believe, I am not following this as I am dong it at home. Also, I am not using any equipment. I am just making use of my flat floor. How can I correct this and do it properly?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
9

Palms under your shoulders.

Back straight from your head to your heels. Don't sag or A-frame.

Feet together or shoulder width apart.

Touch the ground on every rep at the bottom. Extend elbows fully at the top.

Pack the shoulders and crush the armpit trolls.

Improve this answer
3
  • Palms under shoulders is traditional push up form, but it really depends on what muscles the OP is trying to work out.
    – ChrisFletcher
    Commented May 25, 2014 at 9:56
  • 4
    Wider between palms - more emphasis on the pecs. Narrower between palms - more emphasis on the triceps. A-framing - more emphasis on the upper part of the pecs (I suggest you do this as well sometimes, for variety since you are only doing pushups. Just targeting the same part of an as large muscle as the pectoralis can lead to unaesthetic results; by doing just regular straight push-ups you will hypertrophy the middle pectoral segment, and the end result will be a round, almost breast-like muscle when you flex).
    – Darko Sarovic
    Commented May 25, 2014 at 21:28
  • 2
    I agree that push-up variations are possible, necessary in the long term, and perpetually awesome. Since the question is from someone who is likely a fitness noob, I focused on the basics. Both of your comments on variations would make good answers if fleshed out.
    – Dave Liepmann
    Commented May 25, 2014 at 21:46

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.