Looking to tone up your arms this spring? Maybe you simply want to get stronger? Or perhaps you just want to be able to do more than 10 push-ups without having to drop down to your knees? (We're not judging!)
Whatever your fitness goal, there are a few tried and true push-up variations to help you improve your form, strength, and overall push-up capabilities. Here are a few favorite to weave into your workouts this weekend:
1. Triangle Push-Ups
First up is the triangle push-up (sometimes called a diamond push-up), which looks just like it sounds. You simply move your hands in so that you're forming a triangle with your fingers (like this) directly beneath your chest. When you lower down, the triangle should be aligned with your breast bone.
This variation focuses more on your triceps, and you continue to engage your core and upper body. Just remember to keep your elbows tucked in tight.
2. Wide Push-Ups
If you're looking to really focus on your chest, wide push-ups are your best bet. Similar to the triangle push-ups, it looks just like it sounds—hands out wide and chest dropping to the ground. You can play with speed on this one, too, for an additional challenge (count to five on the way down, then pop back up quickly).
3. Plank to Push-Up
One of our favorites, the plank to push-up, will chisel your core and work your arm strength. Starting in a forearm plank, you'll then pop up to a push-up position one hand at a time (like this), complete one push-up, then return to a plank. This is a great variation to get a killer ab workout in.
4. Clap Push-Up
Now we're talking! Ready for an added challenge? This is your standard push-up, just with a clap-up top (like this). It's fun, advanced, and sure to impress your friends at the gym.
5. Pike Push-Up
To focus on the shoulders (and to have a bit more fun), we love the pike push-up variation. It may feel a bit more complicated at first, but we promise you'll get the hang of it after a few reps. You can even make it more advanced by adding in a bench (like this).
Do you have a favorite push-up variation? Share with us on Facebook or Instagram!
