Proper Form and Technique for Push-Ups

· algiegray's blog

The provided text discusses the correct form and technique for performing push-ups, emphasizing the importance of understanding body type and muscle fiber composition. Here's a summary of the key points:

  1. Body Type and Muscle Fibers: The speaker highlights the significance of knowing your body type and muscle fibers when performing push-ups. Fast-twitch muscle fibers, which grow quickly, are targeted through short-range push-ups, while slow-twitch fibers, which build stronger muscle fiber and work on tendons and ligaments, are addressed through full-range push-ups.

  2. Hand Position: The text points out that many people perform push-ups with their hands flat on the ground, which can lead to wrist pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Instead, hands should rest between the three fingers and thumb, with the thumb off the ground to eliminate pressure on the wrist.

  3. Range of Motion: The speaker distinguishes between short-range and full-range push-ups, explaining that short-range push-ups focus on fast-twitch muscle fibers, while full-range push-ups work on slow-twitch fibers, tendons, and ligaments.

  4. Muscles Worked: Different hand positions target various muscle groups. For example, having hands forward primarily works the triceps and forearms, while a slightly turned position focuses on the teres major, a small muscle group in the back.

  5. Wide Push-Ups: The text addresses concerns about wide push-ups causing shoulder pain. This discomfort can be due to incorrect form, such as flat hands, or the individual's physiology not allowing for certain hand positions. The speaker suggests keeping the hands slightly turned for wide push-ups to work the teres major and latissimus dorsi.

In summary, the text emphasizes the importance of proper form and technique when performing push-ups, highlighting the significance of understanding body type, muscle fibers, and hand positioning to maximize benefits and minimize injury risks.

Summary for: Youtube