Standard Push-Up

The push-up builds pressing strength in your chest, shoulders and triceps while your core works to keep your body straight.

1. Start in a high plank: hands slightly wider than your shoulders, fingers pointing forward, legs straight and feet together or hip-width apart.
2. Brace your stomach and squeeze your glutes so your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
3. Breathe in as you bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the floor, keeping your elbows at about 45 degrees to your body.
4. Stop when your chest is just above the floor, then breathe out and press the floor away to straighten your arms.

• If you can't keep your back straight, do push-ups with your knees on the floor, or with your hands on a bench or wall.
• Keep your neck in line with your spine: look at the floor just ahead of your hands.
• Don't let your hips sag or lift towards the ceiling.