What To Know
- Start in a plank position, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- These are done with your hands on an elevated surface, such as a bench or a wall.
- These are done with your feet on an elevated surface, such as a bench or a step.
Push ups and squats are two of the most fundamental exercises in fitness. They’re both compound exercises, meaning they work multiple muscle groups at once, and they’re both great for building strength, muscle mass, and overall fitness.
But which exercise is better? Push ups or squats?
The answer, as with most things in fitness, is: it depends.
Push Ups
Push ups are a bodyweight exercise that primarily works the chest, shoulders, and triceps. They’re a great way to build upper body strength and muscle mass.
Push ups are also a very versatile exercise. You can do them anywhere, and there are many different variations to choose from, so you can always find a way to challenge yourself.
Squats
Squats are a compound exercise that primarily works the legs, hips, and buttocks. They’re a great way to build lower body strength and muscle mass.
Squats are also a very functional exercise. They mimic the movement of sitting down and standing up, which is something we do every day.
Push Ups vs Squats: Which Is Better?
So, which exercise is better? Push ups or squats?
The answer, as we mentioned before, is: it depends.
If you’re looking to build upper body strength and muscle mass, then push ups are a great option. If you’re looking to build lower body strength and muscle mass, then squats are a great option.
However, if you’re only able to do one exercise, then squats are probably the better choice. Squats work more muscle groups than push ups, and they’re also more functional.
How to Do Push Ups
1. Start in a plank position, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line from head to heels.
2. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows.
3. Push back up to the starting position.
How to Do Squats
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes turned out slightly.
2. Bend your knees and lower your body down until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
3. Push back up to the starting position.
Variations of Push Ups and Squats
There are many different variations of push ups and squats, so you can always find a way to challenge yourself.
Push Up Variations
- Incline push ups: These are done with your hands on an elevated surface, such as a bench or a wall.
- Decline push ups: These are done with your feet on an elevated surface, such as a bench or a step.
- Wide-grip push ups: These are done with your hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Narrow-grip push ups: These are done with your hands closer than shoulder-width apart.
- Triceps push ups: These are done with your hands behind your back.
Squat Variations
- Barbell squats: These are done with a barbell resting across your shoulders.
- Dumbbell squats: These are done with dumbbells in each hand.
- Kettlebell squats: These are done with a kettlebell held in front of your chest.
- Goblet squats: These are done with a dumbbell or kettlebell held in front of your chest.
- Bulgarian split squats: These are done with one foot elevated on a bench or a step.
Benefits of Push Ups and Squats
Push ups and squats are both great exercises with a number of benefits, including:
- Increased strength and muscle mass
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced risk of injury
- Improved posture
- Enhanced athletic performance
Key Points
Push ups and squats are two of the most essential exercises in fitness. They’re both compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, and they’re both great for building strength, muscle mass, and overall fitness.
So, which exercise is better? Push ups or squats?
The answer, as we mentioned before, is: it depends. If you’re looking to build upper body strength and muscle mass, then push ups are a great option. If you’re looking to build lower body strength and muscle mass, then squats are a great option. However, if you’re only able to do one exercise, then squats are probably the better choice.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: How often should I do push ups and squats?
A: You can do push ups and squats as often as you like, but most experts recommend doing them 2-3 times per week.
Q: How many push ups and squats should I do?
A: The number of push ups and squats you should do depends on your fitness level. Beginners should start with a few sets of 10-12 repetitions, and then gradually increase the number of sets and repetitions as they get stronger.
Q: What are some tips for doing push ups and squats correctly?
A: Here are a few tips for doing push ups and squats correctly:
- Keep your back straight.
- Don’t let your knees cave in.
- Lower yourself down slowly and with control.
- **Push yourself back up to the starting position with force.
