Push-ups are more than just an arm and upper-chest exercise. When done properly, they can work all of your body's muscles while also improving balance, stability, and posture.
Did you know that several other exercises can be an alternative to push-ups?
Alternative exercises to push-ups
Push-ups are a good exercise option for many people. However, if you want to achieve the same results with a different exercise, you can try the following alternatives:
High Plank
The high plank exercise primarily works the body's core muscles, including the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscle), transversus abdominis, and abdominal muscles. It strengthens and stabilizes these muscles and improves posture, balance, and core strength.
Credit: MindBodyGreen
How to do a high plank:
- Position your hands and knees on the floor, with your hands placed under your shoulders and your knees under your hips
- Extend the back leg and place the toes on the floor, keeping the body upright
- Keep the shoulders above the wrists and the fingers wide apart to maintain stability
- Slowly raise the knees from the floor, keeping the body aligned from head to toe and the hips not too low or high
- Pull the abdomen inward to activate your core muscles
- Maintain a straight line from head to toe. Keep your neck in a neutral position
- Take deep breaths and hold the position for the desired amount of time, which could be anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes
- When finished, relax and repeat the movement according to your training
Side Plank
The side plank is a variation of the plank that has a number of health benefits, including:
- Strengthens triceps in the arms, back, side abdominal muscles, buttocks, and legs
- Strengthens the muscles that support the spine
- Improves stability and endurance
- Improves posture
Credit: Women's Health
How to do a side plank:
- Begin with the high plank pose by following the steps above
- Move your left hand toward the center and turn your body to the side
- The arm supporting the body is upright, with the palm facing forward
- Your right foot is on top of or in front of your left foot
- Put your right hand on your hip
- Avoid pushing the hips forward or backward, and keep the body in a straight line from head to toe
- Maintain the position for up to one minute or to the best of your ability. Rest and relax for a moment. Repeat the movement based on your training
Bench Press Exercise
The traditional bench press exercise involves lifting weights above the chest while lying on a bench. This exercise offers several advantages, including:
- Strengthens the triceps, shoulders, and chest
- Improves core stability and strength
- Increases bone density
- It increases metabolism and burns calories
- Improves strength and confidence
- Supports performance in other sports, particularly those that require front-hand drive or upper-body movements, such as basketball or weightlifting
These are some other exercise options you could try. It is critical to exercise under the supervision of a qualified trainer to get the most effective and efficient results.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma