What To Know
- Incline push ups are easier to perform than regular push ups, making them a good option for beginners or those who are not yet strong enough to do a full push up.
- If you are a beginner or are not yet strong enough to do a full push up, incline push ups are a good option.
Are you looking to build strength and muscle in your upper body? If so, you may be wondering whether incline push ups or regular push ups are better for your fitness goals. Both exercises are effective, but they target different muscle groups and have different benefits.
Incline Push Ups: What Are They?
Incline push ups are a variation of the traditional push up that is performed on an incline bench. This makes the exercise easier than a regular push up, as the angle reduces the amount of weight that you have to lift.
Regular Push Ups: What Are They?
Regular push ups are a bodyweight exercise that is performed with your hands on the floor and your feet together. This exercise works a variety of muscle groups in your upper body, including your chest, triceps, and shoulders.
Incline Push Ups vs Regular: Which Is Better?
So, which exercise is better for your fitness goals? The answer depends on your individual needs and goals.
Incline Push Ups: Benefits
- Easier to perform: Incline push ups are easier to perform than regular push ups, making them a good option for beginners or those who are not yet strong enough to do a full push up.
- Less stress on the wrists: Incline push ups put less stress on the wrists than regular push ups, making them a good option for people with wrist pain.
- Greater range of motion: Incline push ups allow for a greater range of motion than regular push ups, which can help to improve flexibility and shoulder mobility.
Regular Push Ups: Benefits
- More challenging: Regular push ups are more challenging than incline push ups, making them a good option for people who are looking to build strength and muscle.
- Works more muscle groups: Regular push ups work a greater variety of muscle groups than incline push ups, including the chest, triceps, shoulders, and core.
- Better for overall fitness: Regular push ups are a better overall fitness exercise than incline push ups, as they work more muscle groups and require more energy to perform.
Which Exercise Should You Choose?
The best exercise for you depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are a beginner or are not yet strong enough to do a full push up, incline push ups are a good option. If you are looking to build strength and muscle, regular push ups are a better choice.
How to Do Incline Push Ups
To do an incline push up, follow these steps:
1. Place your hands on an incline bench, shoulder-width apart.
2. Step back until your body is at a 45-degree angle to the bench.
3. Lower your chest towards the bench by bending your elbows.
4. Push back up to the starting position.
How to Do Regular Push Ups
To do a regular push up, follow these steps:
1. Place your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
2. Step back until your body is in a straight line from head to heels.
3. Lower your chest towards the floor by bending your elbows.
4. Push back up to the starting position.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Push Ups
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your push ups:
- Keep your back straight: Do not arch your back during the exercise. This can put strain on your lower back.
- Engage your core: Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to help stabilize your body.
- Lower yourself slowly: Do not drop yourself down to the floor. Lower yourself slowly and controllably to get the most benefit from the exercise.
- Push yourself back up: Do not push yourself back up to the starting position too quickly. Push yourself up slowly and controllably to avoid injury.
Key Points: The Best Exercise for Your Goals
Both incline push ups and regular push ups are effective exercises for building strength and muscle in your upper body. The best exercise for you depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are a beginner or are not yet strong enough to do a full push up, incline push ups are a good option. If you are looking to build strength and muscle, regular push ups are a better choice.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
What are the benefits of incline push ups?
Incline push ups are easier to perform than regular push ups, making them a good option for beginners or those who are not yet strong enough to do a full push up. They also put less stress on the wrists and allow for a greater range of motion.
What are the benefits of regular push ups?
Regular push ups are more challenging than incline push ups, making them a good option for people who are looking to build strength and muscle. They also work a greater variety of muscle groups and are better for overall fitness.
Which exercise is better for me?
The best exercise for you depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are a beginner or are not yet strong enough to do a full push up, incline push ups are a good option. If you are looking to build strength and muscle, regular push ups are a better choice.
