Push-ups!

I haven't been posting much on here lately, mostly because we have been so busy that lately when I am standing by my back door with my purse I can't remember if I just got home or if I'm getting ready to go somewhere. I can't wait for a day of rest, which will hopefully come soon. The last few weeks of school for the kids are usually pretty hectic but when summer rolls around it will be great! I will only have one class at the school Monday through Thursday and will be able to take my other classes online, I'm very excited about that.

Anyway, to my point! I have decided that my favorite upper body workout is the good old push-up. I have been doing push-ups for many years, but I think I have just recently been paying closer attention to the muscles I'm using while doing my push-ups, which is just crazy! Why didn't I pay closer attention before, because when you focus on the muscles you want to work...then you will work them so much harder! Duh!

Most people know how to do push-ups, I mean didn't we have to do them in gym class in junior high? Yes, I think we did. Honestly even if you do modified (or granny) push-ups you are working pretty much the same muscle group you work doing military push-ups. You may not work it as much, but you are still working that band of mucles all the way around your chest and back area. Guess what else you are working....your ABS! That's right my friends, you cannot do a push up, which starts in a plank position, without working your abdominal muscles, upper abs, lower abs and obliques are all used with this exercise. How cool is that?

I usually do three kinds of push-ups, I will do a full minute of modified, then I will rest for a while and do as many military as I can...(FYI, a woman should at least be able to do 35 modified push-ups non stop.) After a few minute rest sometimes I will do a military push-up with my feet up on a chair or on the couch. This actually works a completely different muscle group, considering you are putting more strain on your shoulders, and we have to be very careful when we do these types of exercises.

Another great full upper body work out is what some call a plank change up. You begin in a plank position up on your hands, and then on a 4 count move from your hands to your elbows (one elbow at a time) and then back up to your hands. This is a very interesting little move and is really not easy, but is great for your arms and your entire core.

For the most part......if you want to get into shape, just get up and get moving!!! You'll feel so much better, I promise!