PREPARATION DRILL, EXERCISE 10: PUSH-UP
Purpose: This exercise strengthens the muscles of the chest, shoulders, arms, and trunk (Figure 8-10).
Starting Position: Front leaning rest position.
Cadence: MODERATE
Count:
- Bend the elbows, lowering the body until the upper arms are parallel with the ground.
- Return to the starting position.
- Repeat count 1.
- Return to the starting position.
Figure 8-10. Push-up
Check Points:
- The hands are directly below the shoulders with fingers spread (middle fingers point straight ahead).
- On counts 1 and 3, the upper arms stay close to the trunk, elbows pointing rearward.
- On counts 2 and 4, the elbows straighten but do not lock.
- To prevent the trunk from sagging, tighten the abdominal muscles while in the starting position and maintain this contraction throughout the exercise.
Precaution: N/A
