An Ode to the Pushup

Bear with me, as I am in full workout-mode again. It’s what spring does to me (and no, not to get bikini-ready. From flabs to abs doesn’t happen in 2 months….). Sun, somehow, gives me tons of energy, atop the energy I am already usually equipped with. It’s really really nice, but going from 0 to 100 in a matter of a few days (that’s what winter + feeling crappy does to me, not feeling the least bit excited/motivated to work out, even though it would be the best antidote, lol) caused me to seriously injure my foot 2 weeks ago. I was still working out one on leg though, so no excuses! (In the meantime, my foot miraculously healed itself, yay).

Today I’d like to talk about pushups. Pushups are my go-to exercise if I feel badass and feel like giving my body some serious toning. And girls please pay attention when I say: pushups are not just for men. Pushups are excellent for toning your core, quads (those things on the front of your legs, FYI), arms and shoulders. Oh and ladies? Pushups have an awesome (and natural…) wonderbra effect on your rack.

What’s even better: there are tons of varieties on the good ol’ pushup. Ever heard of elevated pushups? One-legged pushups? T-pushups? Superman pushups?  Star pushups? Burpees? One-arm pushups (wth right?)? No?

Let me teach you…

Basic Pushup

Set Up:

- Hands shoulder width apart.

- Shoulders atop your hands.

- Shoulders, hips, knees and ankles should be in a straight line.

- Squeeze your butt and contract your abs

- Don’t slouch your butt or hips

(Want to know what a pushup shouldn’t look like? Clicket-y.)

Beginners Variation

Being a girl doesn’t mean you have to resort to girl pushups, but for beginners here is two variations (I am a fan of the second one)

Start with your upper body elevated and work your way down to the ground, staircases are a good way of measuring your progress!

Elevated Pushup

Now for one of my all-time favorite exercises: the elevated pushup. Simple yet very effective. The higher the incline, the harder the exercise. Oh, and if you’re really hardcore, try using a stability ball…

PS next time you’re out for a run outside, add in a few elevated pushups, props everywhere (and some appreciative glances guaranteed)…

Pike Pushup

Upgrade your arms from flab to fab and sculpt sexy shoulders with the pike pushup:

Note the position of the feet

Wide-legged variation:

T-Pushup

Also known as swimming pushups or side plank pushups, this exercise is great for toning your waist.

Burpees

Stuck inside the house and feel like getting in some cardio and strength training? Do burpees! (Pushup with a jump in between)

And remember: burpees can be done everywhere, no excuses!

Ok so pushups are great for toning your arms, chest, shoulders and core, but what about the lower body? Well if you want to look HOT naked, do these variations and you’re toning your butt and legs at the same time….

One-Legged Pushup

Can’t argue with those results…

Superman Pushup

This one is so good it makes me cry

There’s a ton more but these are the most important (read: my favorite) ones!

What are you waiting for? Get some sexy arms to go with your new summer dresses!

“You can’t hire someone to do your push-up’s”
- Jack Canfield