No matter how many push-ups from your knees you do, do you feel like you aren’t getting any stronger in the push-up department? This happens to a lot of people. But don’t worry. We have a modification for you that will get you adding 3 sets of 10 regular push-ups into your workouts in no time.
It is called the incline push-up. Yeah, you might be rolling your eyes right now and thinking “I know of an incline push-up. This is really the secret?” Well, yeah. Hear us out. It mimics the push-up the best and sometimes all you need to do is practice the actual thing to be better at it. What makes the incline push-up more doable than a regular one is that the strength part (the part you are struggling with) is a little bit easier.
How to do incline push-ups:
- First, you will need to find an elevated surface. We find a bench, a block, or maybe even the side of a couch or bed a great place to start. The more elevated you are the easier it will be.
- Begin in front of your surface, by reaching down place your hands about shoulder-width apart on your surface.
- Step back one leg at a time until your body is in a high plank.
- Start to tune into your body to create stability and strength by engaging your core and the back of your legs. Now to protect your spine and create healthy alignment, bring your head slightly forward so that your neck is in line with your spine.
- Slowly start bending your arms while your elbows aim behind you and not to the side.
- Keeping your core and legs active, lower yourself until your chest just hovers over the surface an inch or two.
- Pressing through your hands, while you are also thinking about trying to pull your arms together (this will light up your chest), straighten your arms to come back up to your high plank aka starting position.
- Aim for 3 sets of 10 incline pushups.
Remember, to keep proper form and practice! The more you practice these incline push-ups the stronger you will become and the sooner you will be busting out 3 sets of 10 regular push-ups in no time.
Also, if you are looking for an extra challenge in the incline push-up try lifting one leg off of the group and performing your push-ups.
And if you can’t do push-ups at all, try these arms exercises instead.
