Meet the Experts
What Are The Benefits of Push-Ups?
What Do Push-Ups Do to The Body?
When it comes to push-ups, one thing is for sure: Yourupper bodywill feel the burn.
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Using all those major muscles at onceforces your heart to work hardto deliver blood to that tissue.
And over time, that healthy stress on your heart canboost cardiovascular health.
But practicing good form is critical to getting the most out of your push-ups, says Stonehouse.
If you break form, you might want to cut back on reps or modify.
Form breaks make it harder to experience the movement’s full benefits and can likely cause injury.
How Many Push-Ups Should You Do Per Day?
And don’t be shy about using modifications if you need them, adds Stonehouse.
Sims recommends lowering your knees to the ground or doingincline push-upsagainst a wall instead of on the floor.
One sure sign that you’re overdoing it?
Pain, he says.
If that’s the case, hold off on push-ups and consult with your doctor to avoid further injury.
Working yourself to the point ofexhaustionis another signal that you’re doing too many reps, adds Sims.
2014;13(3):502-510.
