Push-ups are one of the greatest exercises ever – They're a full body, high intensity, core engaged pressing movement. And they can be scaled from an endurance exercise all the way up to a heavy strength exercise, and scaled to any level from beginner to advanced.
I love the entire continuum of pushups: Knee pushups, hands elevated pushups, normal pushups, single leg pushups, spiderman pushups, archer pushups, weighted vest pushups, band resisted pushups…
The pushup is a really smart component of any great fat loss program.
But pushups on the floor with the wrists fully extended don't agree with everyone's wrists. And so, here are a few options:
1.) Pushup Board
http://pushupboard.com/
Hard-style folks will love the push-up board, because you can "break it in half" to create that spiralling tension and set the shoulders like on a bench press. It's my favorite, even though it's the most expensive.
2.) Yoga Wedge
http://www.huggermugger.com/foam-wedge-273.html
The yoga wedge is the closest to actually being on the floor for regular old pushups. It's probably a good option if you don't have any real wrist issues, and want something that may help you work towards pushups on the floor again.
3.) Pushup-Handles
http://www.amazon.com/Bestselling-Push-Up-Handles/lm/R2TRJD52FNVXYA
Regular old push-up handles are by far the most forgiving. Being able to keep your wrist in a totally neutral position means that these will work for just about everyone.
Enjoy!
By Josh Hillis
author of The 21 Day Kettlebell Swing Challenge
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