Proper body alignment is crucial when performing a push-up because it helps prevent injury and ensures that you're effectively targeting the right muscles. Poor form can lead to strain on the back, shoulders, or wrists, minimizing the exercise's benefits and increasing the risk of injury.
Two Tips for Proper Body Alignment in Push-Ups:
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Keep your body in a straight line: From head to heels, your body should form a straight line without sagging in the hips or arching in the back. Engage your core muscles to maintain this alignment. Think of your body as a plank; if you were to draw a straight line from the top of your head down to your heels, there should be no dips or rises.
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Hand placement and elbow angle: Position your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your fingers pointing forward or slightly outward. As you lower your body, your elbows should bend at about a 45-degree angle to your torso (rather than flaring out sideways), which minimizes stress on the shoulder joints and allows for better muscle engagement in your chest and triceps.
Encouraging your friends to focus on these aspects will help them perform push-ups safely and effectively!