Pushups are one of the ultimate measures of fitness. If you complete pushup sets easily, you might be able to step up your workout by incorporating one of the many variations of pushups. The most challenging is the decline pushup.

Because these pushups are the hardest on your body, we have to remember to perform them in safe conditions. These should NEVER be done after a cardio workout, and should not be done by anyone who has difficulty with one of the more common forms of pushups. If the decline pushup is not performed correctly, there are many risks, including stroke, damage to spine, or back and shoulder injuries, among others.

To perform the decline pushup, place your feet on a raised surface, such as a box, a step, or even a curb. Perform the pushups like normal, but make sure you exhale as you push your body off the ground. Inhale slowly as you press your chest towards the ground again, and stop about three inches from the ground. Keep your pectoral and abdominal muscles contracted during this exercise. If you feel pain in your back and shoulders, you should stop immediately. Once you master the decline pushup, you can add another challenge – try performing them on a medicine ball!

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This entry was posted on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at 9:45 am and is filed under Fitness.