8 Ways to Pump Up Your Pushups

Master this bodyweight exercise and you'll work every major muscle group in a snap

By Sara Angle, Shape

Still struggling every time your bootcamp instructor asks you to drop and give 'em 20? Don't give up on pushups just yet! The total-body move can help you slim down everywhere, and with tons of variations, you'll never plateau. Pushups are especially great for your chest, triceps, and entire core, says Curtis Williams, Under Armour Performance Coach and founder of Team Training C.A.M.P. in New York City. "Whether you're new to exercise or a professional athlete, pushups are still beneficial," he says. We tapped Williams and pushup guru Angela Reynolds, a personal trainer at New York Health & Racquet Club, for their top pushup rules to know.
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Start from the Bottom

Beginning your pushup on the ground is a great way to ensure you're doing the move correctly and building endurance through your core, says Williams. It also helps you decide if you need to modify. Lay on the ground with legs locked and abs tight, then press off. If you can't maintain a flat back, try a modified pushup or keep practicing to increase your strength.

Modify, Modify, Modify!

Sure, the move may seem simple enough when you watch a coach or instructor do one, but pushups take a lot of work. Instead of risking injury, beginners should start with a modified version, on their knees or with hands on a wall, and work up to a regular pushup, says Reynolds. Use The Pushup Progression Workout to get you there!

Place Your Hands a Little More Than Shoulder-Width Apart

Narrow and wide pushups can hit different muscles, but they can also sacrifice form if you’re not experienced. Stick with a standard pushup stance, keeping thumbs in line with armpits and elbows at a 45-degree angle from sides, suggests Reynolds.
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Don't Stick Your Butt in the Air

When your back is not flat, you minimize activity in your core, Williams points out. Since the pushup is really just a moving plank, you want to engage your abs throughout the exercise. Plus, piking your hips in the air can put stress on your shoulders.

Keep Hips from Sagging Toward the Ground

Your body should look like a board (not a banana!) if you don’t want to feel lower back pain. Luckily, Reynolds has an easy fix: Engage your core by squeezing your abs and drawing your belly button in toward your spine.

Don’t Drop Your Head as You Lower Yourself Down

Keep a neutral spine, so your head is aligned with the rest of your body. To ensure your alignment is correct, Reynolds recommends finding a fixed spot on the floor and keeping eyes focused on that area until the set is complete.
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Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

"I'd rather see a client do five perfectly executed pushups and build on that than 20 pushups with terrible form," says Williams. Practicing poor movement patterns can lead to muscle imbalances and eventually injuries.

Try Pushup Variations Only After...

You can do three sets of standard pushups for 12 to 15 reps. That's Reynolds' guide for progression. The great thing about pushups is that there is always a way to make them more difficult. But progressing before you’re ready will only hurt you, so master the standard pushup first. Ready to push it out? Start our 30-Day Pushup Challenge!