by Cheryl Marly

Created on: January 17, 2009

Push-ups You Can Count On

There are many ways to do push-ups and here, you will learn a few of the simplest, yet most effective ones. These are great ways to tone yourself up a little before summer comes. So, find a spot and get ready for some push-ups that get you looking slammin'.

~~ We'll start with the basic push-up. To get into position, place your hands shoulder width apart and get up on your toes to support your body. Make sure you don't lock your elbows.

Now, as you exhale, lower your chest and bend the elbows to 90 degrees. Then inhale ans straighten your arms, remembering not to lock elbows. Do this 10 or 12 times, twice.

*This exercise benefits your shoulders, chest and triceps. It takes only a couple of minutes and your arms will become more defined with continued practice, not to mention a stronger chest.

~~ The next push-up is slightly less difficult, but still ensures a nice workout. You'll start facing the wall with about an arm's length distance between you and the wall. Keep your feet slightly apart and put your weight on your toes. Now, in line with your shoulders (not above or below), place your hands on the wall with your index fingers touching and your thumbs, as to make a triangle with your hands.

Proceed to inhale as you bend your elbows and body toward the wall. Do not touch the wall with your body. Exhale and straighten arms, then you will have completed one rep. Start with 10 or 12 reps and increase as you feel comfortable. Remember don't lock your elbows or knees.

To increase difficulty, try taking your feet farther away from the wall.

* This push-up works your chest, shoulders and triceps and only takes about 5 minutes. Strengthen your chest and tone your arms.

~~ If you have an exercise ball, here's a great workout for you. Get behind the ball and put your belly on it. Roll forward until your hands get to the floor. Keeping your body as straight as possible, walk out on your hands until you get the ball under your knees. Hands should be shoulder width apart and you should keep that core strong by resisting the urge to drop your hips.

Lower your upper body as you inhale, until your elbows are at 90 degrees. Exhale and return to starting position. Do not lock elbows.

For a more extreme push-up, put the ball closer to your feet; or to decrease, move ball closer to the hips.

* The ball makes push-ups a breeze and improves your core strength, by working your chest and triceps. This exercise also only takes a few minutes.

~~ This final push-up is a bit more difficult, but the results are amazing. You start with the standard position for a regular push-up, except your feet are on a step, chair, or some other object of height.

Inhale as you lower yourself as close to the ground as possible, without touching. Make sure your body is aligned (neck, spine, hips, legs) or you could cause damage. Exhale and return to original position.

* This push-up takes 4 or 5 minutes and will definitely define your chest, shoulders and triceps.

Just a few things you can do to feel great in your favorite sleeveless dress.

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