Are you looking to add some variety to your workout routine and target your upper body in a new way? If so, consider incorporating pike pushups into your exercise regimen. This effective exercise targets your shoulders, chest, and triceps, and can be modified to suit different fitness levels. However, it's essential to maintain proper form to avoid injury and get the most out of the exercise. In this article, we'll provide you with five tips for perfecting your pike pushup form.
Pike pushups are a great exercise for building strength and endurance in your upper body. By engaging your core and maintaining proper form, you can effectively target your shoulders, chest, and triceps. However, poor form can put unnecessary strain on your joints and muscles, leading to injury. By following these five tips, you can ensure that you're performing pike pushups with proper form and getting the most out of the exercise.
Tip 1: Start in a Plank Position
To begin a pike pushup, start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders, and your feet should be facing downwards. Engage your core by drawing your belly button towards your spine, and maintain a straight line from head to heels. This will help you maintain balance and stability throughout the exercise.
Key Points to Focus On:
- Hands shoulder-width apart
- Feet hip-width apart
- Core engaged
- Straight line from head to heels
Tip 2: Lift Your Hips
Once you're in a plank position, lift your hips up and back, creating an inverted V shape with your body. Your hands and feet should remain in the same position, but your hips should be lifted upwards. This will help you target your shoulders and upper chest. Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight line from head to heels.
Key Points to Focus On:
- Hips lifted up and back
- Inverted V shape with the body
- Core engaged
- Straight line from head to heels
Tip 3: Lower Your Body
Once you're in the pike position, slowly lower your body down towards the ground by bending your elbows. Keep your elbows close to your body, and avoid letting them flare out to the sides. Lower down until your upper arms are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go. Take 2-3 seconds to lower down, and focus on slow and controlled movements.
Key Points to Focus On:
- Elbows close to the body
- Avoid letting elbows flare out
- Lower down slowly and controlled
- Take 2-3 seconds to lower down
Tip 4: Push Back Up
Once you've lowered down, push back up to the starting position by straightening your arms. Take 2-3 seconds to push back up, and focus on slow and controlled movements. Avoid using momentum or jerking movements, as this can put unnecessary strain on your joints. Instead, focus on slow and controlled movements, and engage your core to maintain stability.
Key Points to Focus On:
- Push back up slowly and controlled
- Avoid using momentum or jerking movements
- Engage core to maintain stability
- Take 2-3 seconds to push back up
Tip 5: Focus on Proper Breathing
Finally, focus on proper breathing throughout the exercise. Take a deep breath in as you lower down, and exhale as you push back up. Avoid holding your breath, as this can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Instead, focus on slow and controlled breathing, and engage your core to maintain stability.
Key Points to Focus On:
- Take a deep breath in as you lower down
- Exhale as you push back up
- Avoid holding your breath
- Focus on slow and controlled breathing
By following these five tips, you can ensure that you're performing pike pushups with proper form and getting the most out of the exercise. Remember to start in a plank position, lift your hips, lower your body, push back up, and focus on proper breathing. With practice and consistency, you can master the pike pushup and add some variety to your workout routine.
What is a pike pushup?
+A pike pushup is a variation of the traditional pushup that targets the shoulders, chest, and triceps. It involves starting in a plank position and lifting the hips up and back to create an inverted V shape with the body.
What are the benefits of pike pushups?
+Pike pushups are a great exercise for building strength and endurance in the upper body. They target the shoulders, chest, and triceps, and can be modified to suit different fitness levels. Additionally, pike pushups can help improve balance and stability.
How do I modify pike pushups for different fitness levels?
+Pike pushups can be modified to suit different fitness levels by adjusting the depth of the movement or the position of the body. For example, beginners can start with a modified pike pushup on their knees instead of their toes, while more advanced individuals can increase the depth of the movement or add weights.