"Military" Push-Up

Directions: Perform my Dynamic Warm-Up exercises at “beginning” of workout for maximum benefit and improvement.
Pick a safe level; never be unsafe or exceed your capacity to “control” your body!

Lock out core in flat plank position.

Maintain plank position as you lower & return.

1. Place feet shoulder width apart and hands under shoulders and same width as shoulders.

2. Body should be in straight line "plank" position from heels to shoulders.

3. Lower body while maintaining plank posture until chest is close to ground.

4. Keep core braced and strong as you lift to preserve plank position and take excessive pressure off low back.

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 exercises more functional and beneficial than the old school military push-up, but very few people can do them correctly due to weak cores.

• If the Military Push-Up is too difficult, try the Negative Push-Up or see my Push Up Section for more options.

*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 11.28.07)

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