Instructions for Traditional Push-Ups - Martial Arts Strength Exercise

This page will teach you how to do traditional "Push-Ups". This exercise will improve your martial arts strength by working your arms, shoulders and chest. It also helps your core strength as you are doing a semi-plank exercise. More advanced push-up exercises include clapping push-ups, triangle push-ups (diamond push-ups), knuckle push-ups, etc.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized.

For additional exercises and push-up techniques, please visit the main Martial Arts Strength Training page.

Instructions for a Traditional Push-Up

• Get face down on the ground.
• Put your hands about a shoulder width apart.
• Keep your feet together.
• Body should be stiff.
• Push up with your hands until your arms are straight.
• Bend your elbows and lower yourself until your chest nears the ground with elbows at a 90 degree angle. Do not let your chest hit the ground.
• Repeat.
• To work more on your chest muscles, you should move your hands further apart.
• To work more on your triceps, you should move them closer together.