I hate to tell you all this, but I think the majority of you all probably know the fact for today. At least in part. But just in case…
Did you know that a simple pushup works six muscle groups:
- Pectoralis major–large chest muscles, think breast area
- Deltoids–shoulders
- Triceps brachii–backs of the upper arms
- Serratus anterior–under the armpits and in the back of the chest
- Abdominal muscles–stomach area (even if you’ve got a layer of insulation, you still have muscles under there!)
- Coracobrachialis–shoulder blade to upper arm
Here are some benefits:
- Muscle stretching and strengthening–also adds definition!
- Fire up the cardiovascular system which is good for both a healthy heart and weight loss
- Improves your posture
- Increases bone mass
- Best of all…works your abs without the dreaded crunches! (They’re probably not so bad, but I always get vertigo when I do them.)
While the above is true for everyone if the pushup is done correctly, my next statement might not be accurate for everyone:
When doing a minimum of two within a five-minute span, be prepared to be extremely sore for no less than 36-hours! This is one of those “don’t ask me how I know” facts. All I can say is: 1. I have another post to put up today that might explain this all a little better and 2. I may or may not be extremely sore after starting a “pushup” challenge yesterday… but I’m not talking.
I need to get back to my PiYo workouts…which include some push ups and planks.
I did a planking challenge at the end of 2014…oh, the pain!
What we moms won’t do…or should I say will do, for our kids.
Yep! Gotta love yer babies!