2 Push-up Workouts That Hit Every Muscle in Your Core | Men's Health Magazine Australia

2 Push-up Workouts That Hit Every Muscle in Your Core

There are more ways to do push-ups than just about any other exercise, which means your mind and muscles will never get bored.   But if you need some inspiration for your arsenal, check out these two up-and-down push-up workouts from trainer BJ Gaddour.   The moves Gaddour demonstrates in the video will hit your chest, shoulders […]

There are more ways to do push-ups than just about any other exercise, which means your mind and muscles will never get bored.

 

But if you need some inspiration for your arsenal, check out these two up-and-down push-up workouts from trainer BJ Gaddour.

 

The moves Gaddour demonstrates in the video will hit your chest, shoulders and arms, but they’ll also hammer your abs. That’s because they reduce your stability, forcing every muscle from your shoulders to your hips to “turn on”.

 

Click here for three superset workouts that will melt that stubborn fat around your midsection

 

Challenge One
Assume a push-up position on the floor with your feet a five centimetres in front of a bench. Perform a push-up. When you push yourself back up to the starting position, pause with your arms straight.

 

Now place both feet on the bench. Do a decline push-up. Pause at the top, and bring both feet back down to the floor. Alternate between a floor push-up and a decline push-up, performing as many reps as you can without stopping.

 

Challenge Two
Assume a push-up position on the floor with a bench in front of you. Place your hands on the floor so that they’re about 75cm from the bench. Do a push-up, and pause after you push yourself back up to the top.

 

Without letting your back sag, reach your left hand straight out in front of you so it’s on top of the bench. Do the same with your right hand. You should now be in an extended plank position with your body creating a straight line from hands to heels.

 

“Walk” your feet forward toward the bench until your hands are directly beneath your shoulders. Pause, then perform a push-up on the bench. Walk your feet back until you are in an extended plank position again. Lower your hands one at a time to the floor, and perform another push-up.

 

Repeat this pattern, performing as many reps as you can without resting.

 

Chasing that elusive V-shape torso? Click here for a 7-move upper-body upgrade

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