Lose Tummy Fat With Press Up Exercises

Now before you reel back in shock, don’t worry a press up is a very realistic exercise for you to complete if done sensibly. The following methods take you from a Beginner’s level, into an Intermediate version and then onto the full Press Up.

A Press Up is a great way to work your upper body. You use your own body weight as resistance to work your Chest, Arms, Shoulders and your Abs, all in one exercise! Which is why I recommend it to all my clients.

Remember to warm up before embarking on any exercise routine. You can do this by gently walking or jogging on the spot for 2-3 minutes, get some gentle arm swinging and shoulder rotations to loosen up your muscles. At the end of the warm up you should feel slightly out of breath and your pulse will have increased. You’re now ready for some exercise!

Beginner’s Press Up

The Method...

• Stand facing a wall with no obstructions between you and the wall
• Place both hands on the wall, slightly wider that shoulder width apart
• Your distance from the wall should be arms length but with a slight bend at the elbow
• From this position slowly bend your elbows until your nose is almost touching the wall
• Remember to breathe freely holding your breath will increase your blood pressure
• Slowly push back to the start position, remembering not to fully straighten your arms
• Congratulations you’ve just completed 1 repetition of a press up
• Repeat this for as many repetitions that you can comfortably complete which is known as a 'set'
• Rest for 30 seconds after your have completed a set and then complete 2 more sets

When you reach a stage where you can complete 3 sets of 15-20 press ups then it's time to move onto the next level...

Box Press Up

The Method...

• Kneel on the floor, make sure you’re on a supportive surface such as a carpet or exercise mat
• Move your upper body into a position where your hands are underneath your shoulders with your fingers facing forward
• So now you’re in a position where your arms, trunk, thighs and floor have formed a box shape
• Bend your elbows, lowering your chest to the floor. Take it as comfortably low as you can but aim to finish about 2-3 inches off the floor. Don’t worry if you can’t at first, this is something you can work towards as time goes on
• Keep your back straight and try not to stick your butt in the air
• Remember to breathe!
• Aim to complete 3 sets of 15-20 reps with a 30 second break in between each set, although be sensible and work within your limits.

Congratulations you’ve just completed the first 2 stages of working towards your full press up.

Look out for the next article which will take you to the next level...the full press up!

Keep healthy!

Dave