The Difficulty of Military Push-ups: Explained
Bodyweight exercises are an effective way to build strength and improve fitness without the need for expensive equipment or a gym membership. One of the most challenging bodyweight exercises is the military push-up. This particular variation of the push-up is notoriously difficult and requires a lot of strength, endurance, and proper technique to perform correctly. In this blog post, we’ll explore why military push-ups are so hard and what you can do to master them.
The Anatomy of a Military Push-up
Before we delve into the reasons why military push-ups are so hard, it’s important to understand what they entail. A military push-up is a variation of a traditional push-up that requires you to keep your elbows tucked in close to your sides as you lower your chest to the ground. This narrow hand position makes military push-ups more challenging by engaging the triceps and chest muscles more intensively.
The Main Reasons Why Military Push-ups are So Hard
There are several reasons why military push-ups are so challenging:
1. Narrow Hand Placement
The close hand positioning required for military push-ups puts more strain on the triceps, which are responsible for straightening the elbow joint. The triceps have to work harder to support the weight of your body as you push yourself off the ground.
2. Increased Range of Motion
Military push-ups require you to lower your body closer to the ground than a traditional push-up. This increased range of motion means that your chest and triceps have to work harder to push your body back up to the starting position.
3. Core Stability Requirements
To perform a military push-up properly, you need to engage your core muscles to maintain a straight line from your head to your heels. This core stability requirement puts additional strain on your abdominal muscles, making the exercise more challenging.
4. Advanced Technique
Military push-ups require excellent technique to perform correctly. If you don’t keep your elbows close to your sides or let your hips sag, you won’t get the full benefit of the exercise, and it will be harder to push yourself back up from the ground.
Tips for Mastering Military Push-ups
If you want to master military push-ups, here are some tips to help you get there:
1. Start with the Basics
Before you attempt a military push-up, make sure you have mastered the traditional push-up first. Start with the basics and work your way up to more advanced variations like the military push-up.
2. Practice Your Technique
Make sure you are using the correct technique when performing military push-ups. Keep your elbows close to your sides, engage your core muscles, and maintain a straight line from your head to your heels.
3. Build Strength and Endurance Gradually
Don’t try to perform a lot of military push-ups all at once. Instead, start by doing a few reps at a time and gradually increase the number over time. This way, you’ll build strength and endurance gradually, without risking injury.
4. Incorporate Other Exercises into Your Routine
Military push-ups are an excellent exercise, but they shouldn’t be the only one you do. Incorporate other bodyweight exercises into your routine to build strength and endurance in other muscle groups as well.
Conclusion
Military push-ups are a challenging exercise that requires a lot of strength, endurance, and proper technique to perform correctly. With the tips provided in this blog post, you can gradually build up your strength and technique to master this exercise and take your fitness to the next level. Remember to start with the basics, practice your technique, build strength and endurance gradually, and incorporate other exercises into your routine to build a well-rounded fitness program.
