| Push-ups are an easy and effective way to gain | | | | fists rest on the floor or board with the hands a little |
| strength. They can be performed almost anywhere, | | | | wider than your shoulders. Your legs extend behind |
| under any conditions and by almost anyone. As | | | | you and are straight, your back is straight, and your |
| always, check with your doctor before beginning any | | | | head is up. Bend at the elbows and as you inhale, |
| exercise program. Strenuous exercise places stress | | | | lower your chest to within two inches of the floor or |
| and fatigue on the joints, tendons, ligaments and | | | | board. Push against the floor, and as you exhale, and |
| muscles. If you were to injure or tear one of these, | | | | raise your body. Repeat the exercise. |
| your training could be postponed for quite some time | | | | An alternate way when starting a push-up regimen is |
| while they heal. | | | | to place your knees on the floor instead of your |
| Push-ups strengthen the pectoral (the chest) | | | | feet. This position will create less weight on your |
| muscles, as well as the shoulders and arms. Push-ups | | | | shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. If you find it too |
| can be performed on the palms, knuckles, fingertips | | | | difficult to do push-ups the traditional way then use |
| or wrists. Begin with three sets of ten repetitions | | | | this technique until you gain enough strength to |
| each. As your condition improves increase the | | | | perform the traditional technique. There is no sense in |
| number of repetitions and sets. | | | | injuring yourself or being frustrated at your progress |
| The starting position of the fist-formed push-up on | | | | when just starting out. Work your way up slowly. |
| the floor or on a makiwari board is as follows. Closed | | | | With time and diligence, your strength will improve. |