Master push-up challenges with this straightforward pro tip:
In a recent development, physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach, and founder of Squat University, Dr. Aaron Horschig, has shared a simple yet effective trick for performing push-ups. This new approach, which has already gained traction among fitness enthusiasts, has been praised for its ability to improve the push-off during the exercise and make the exercise feel easier.
The key to this push-up trick lies in creating external rotation in the shoulders, a movement that shifts the weight into the hands, providing a more stable foundation. By gently turning the elbows outward, as if trying to point them slightly away from the body, one can engage the rotator cuff muscles and establish a stronger shoulder foundation.
To perform a push-up with this external rotation, start in a high plank position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Engage the core and glutes, maintain a straight line from shoulders to feet, and lean slightly forward from the shoulders. During the lowering and pushing phases, keep your elbows at about a 45-degree angle from your body.
This adjustment can make a significant difference in the ease of the push-up exercise. Jonathan Shannon, editor of a health and fitness website, found this trick helpful despite his struggle with push-ups. He reported feeling more confident and able to maintain the plank position, thanks to this new technique.
Dr. Horschig, who boasts an impressive 3.5 million Instagram followers, demonstrated his push-up trick in a visual demonstration on his Instagram Reel. He emphasised the importance of the set-up in the push-up exercise and encouraged fitness enthusiasts to hone their technique to reap the benefits.
For those looking to improve their push-up game, Fit&Well recommends checking out Dr. Horschig's 10-minute mobility routine and his recommendation for curtsy lunges for knee strength. Subscribing to the Fit&Well Newsletter also provides achievable workout ideas, health tips, and wellbeing advice delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Remember, mastering the push-up takes time and effort, but with the right technique, it can become an achievable goal for everyone. So, why not give Dr. Horschig's push-up trick a try and see the difference it can make in your fitness journey?
- With the new push-up trick popularized by Dr. Aaron Horschig, fitness enthusiasts can improve their push-off during the exercise and make it feel easier, as it involves creating external rotation in the shoulders and turning the elbows outward.
- The science behind this technique lies in engaging the rotator cuff muscles, which establishes a stronger shoulder foundation and provides a more stable foundation for push-ups.
- Strength training, such as push-ups, plays a crucial role in overall fitness and wellbeing, and the external rotation approach can be a valuable addition to one's health-and-wellness routine, making push-ups more accessible and effective.