What To Know
- If you are new to bodyweight training, it is best to start with regular push ups and then progress to hand release push ups once you have built a solid foundation of strength.
- The main difference between push ups and hand release push ups is that hand release push ups involve releasing your hands from the ground at the bottom of the movement and then clapping them together before returning to the starting position.
Push ups and hand release push ups are two of the most fundamental bodyweight exercises. They are both excellent for building upper body strength, but they target slightly different muscle groups and have varying levels of difficulty. In this blog post, we will compare push ups vs. hand release push ups, discuss their benefits, and provide tips on how to perform each exercise correctly.
Push Ups
Push ups are a classic bodyweight exercise that works multiple muscle groups, including the chest, triceps, and shoulders. They are a great way to build upper body strength and endurance.
How to Perform Push Ups
1. Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together.
2. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows.
3. Push back up to the starting position.
Benefits of Push Ups
- Builds upper body strength and endurance
- Improves core stability
- Increases shoulder mobility
- Helps to burn fat
Hand Release Push Ups
Hand release push ups are a variation of the traditional push up that adds an extra challenge. They are performed by releasing your hands from the ground at the bottom of the movement and then clapping them together before returning to the starting position.
How to Perform Hand Release Push Ups
1. Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together.
2. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows.
3. At the bottom of the movement, release your hands from the ground and clap them together.
4. Push back up to the starting position.
Benefits of Hand Release Push Ups
- Builds upper body strength and power
- Improves coordination and balance
- Increases shoulder mobility
- Helps to burn fat
Push Ups vs. Hand Release Push Ups: Which is Better?
Both push ups and hand release push ups are effective exercises for building upper body strength. However, hand release push ups are more challenging and require more coordination and balance. If you are new to bodyweight training, it is best to start with regular push ups and then progress to hand release push ups once you have built a solid foundation of strength.
Tips for Performing Push Ups and Hand Release Push Ups
- Keep your core engaged throughout the movement.
- Lower your chest to the ground slowly and with control.
- Push back up to the starting position with force.
- Avoid arching your back or flaring your elbows.
- If you are unable to perform a full push up, you can start by doing knee push ups.
- To make hand release push ups more challenging, try clapping your hands twice before returning to the starting position.
Summary
Push ups and hand release push ups are both excellent exercises for building upper body strength. They are both challenging and rewarding, and they can be easily incorporated into any workout routine. If you are looking for a way to improve your upper body strength and endurance, give push ups and hand release push ups a try.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
What is the difference between push ups and hand release push ups?
The main difference between push ups and hand release push ups is that hand release push ups involve releasing your hands from the ground at the bottom of the movement and then clapping them together before returning to the starting position. This adds an extra challenge to the exercise and requires more coordination and balance.
Which is better, push ups or hand release push ups?
Both push ups and hand release push ups are effective exercises for building upper body strength. However, hand release push ups are more challenging and require more coordination and balance. If you are new to bodyweight training, it is best to start with regular push ups and then progress to hand release push ups once you have built a solid foundation of strength.
How many push ups or hand release push ups should I do?
The number of push ups or hand release push ups you should do depends on your fitness level. If you are new to bodyweight training, start with 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions. As you get stronger, you can gradually increase the number of sets and repetitions.
