Push-ups, the Perfect Exercise

How do you spend your 37th Wedding Anniversary - 37 pushups (on your toes) with your husband in Body Pump!!! We actually did 30 more to save for future dates!!

The push-up could be considered the perfect exercise. It has no cost, can be done relatively anywhere at almost any time and is rather easy to perform. It can also be modified to be easier for those less experienced with exercise or those just starting out. It can also be made more difficult for those who want to challenge themselves. It is a truly versatile exercise that can fit into the lifestyle of anyone who wishes to use it.

The push-up can give a tremendous workout to the chest, or pectoral muscle group. In addition, the anterior deltoids, or front shoulder, and triceps, back of the arm, can get a tremendous workout as well. The abdominal and lower back muscle groups, known as the core, can benefit as well, because they must be utilized to maintain proper body posture throughout the entire exercise.

By increasing the muscular strength and muscular endurance of the entire upper body, body mass can increase as well. By increasing muscle mass, body fat can be utilized as a source of energy more readily. Calories through the exercise itself will also be used, resulting in decreased body weight and decreased body fat, which can lead to a reduction of overall risk to the health of the individual.

Due to the fact that push-ups can be modified for the beginner by dropping the knees to the ground and decreasing the weight being lifted, it can be one of the best introductory exercises for you if you are totally new to resistance training. The push-up serves as a base to start building strength in the upper body. By developing muscular strength and endurance from your push-up routine, you may soon find yourself able to engage in more traditional resistance exercises. In a sense, the push-up is the base from which all your upper body strength gains actually begin.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/93678-benefits-pushups/

Why don't you join Rick and myself in our pushup challenge. It started with "One." See you in the gym! Lynette