"Lateral Twist" Push-Up

1. Place feet shoulder width apart and hands under shoulders into the standard Military Push Up position.

2. Body should be in straight line "plank" position from heels to shoulders prior to starting the push up.

3. Lower body as you "twist" torso to one side.

4. Push up body as you "twist" back in the opposite direction.

Tips: Push ups are usually thought of as "arms and chest" exercises but they are underrated as "core" exercises. To perform a "proper" military push-up you need to have a strong core to keep the plank position.  People with weak cores doing push ups will shift their butts back (to unload core) or sag their hips (core is not strong enough to lift body into plank position). There are not many exercise more functional and beneficial than the old school military push-up, but very few people can do them correctly due to weak cores.

• This is a nice variation of the standard push up that adds a stability challenge to your core, hips, and shoulders.  Shoulders also get some extra mobility challenge.  Try varying the angles and speed of each twist.  You can also twist both ways going up and down after you have mastered the single twist version above.

*Note: This exercise is intended for "normal healthy" individuals.  If you have an injury, or abnormal pain is present,
see your physician or a certified physical therapist before continuing your exercises. 

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(Updated 1-23-05)

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