Don't Waste Your Time with Press Ups

Press ups are an excellent exercise for developing upper body strength in the arms, chest and shoulders as well as building core strength.

Technique is essential. Players should only do as many press ups as they can with good technique.

As soon as the technique goes, change the exercise. For instance, instead of 10 press ups, try 5 press ups and 5 crunches, or 3 press ups, 3 crunches and 3 jump squats.

Press up technique

Keep the feet together.

Keep the legs, backside and back straight and in line at all times.

Keep the buttocks clenched.

Place the hands directly under the shoulders.

Keep the head in a neutral position and the neck relaxed.

Starting and finishing the press up

Start with the arms straight, then bending at the elbows, lower the chest to the ground.

The arms are tucked into the side of the body.

At the lowest point, the chin is about 10cm from the ground.

Hold this position for two seconds then return to the starting position.

Make sure the form is maintained throughout.

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