Master Perfect Pushups: A Complete Guide for Beginners (With Form Tips)
Pushups are one of the most effective bodyweight exercises for building upper body strength, but many people perform them incorrectly. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to do pushups with perfect form, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique. By mastering proper pushup form, you'll not only prevent potential injuries but also maximize muscle engagement in your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. The best part? You don't need any equipment, and you can practice anywhere. Let's break down this fundamental exercise into simple, actionable steps that will help you build a strong foundation for your fitness journey.
Get Into the Starting Position
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=get+into+starting+position&tag=filsdu2025-20
Begin by kneeling on an exercise mat or comfortable surface. Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your fingers spread comfortably and pointing forward. Your wrists should be directly under your shoulders. Extend your legs behind you, supporting your weight on your toes. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels.
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=begin+kneeling+exercise+mat&tag=filsdu2025-20
Pro Tips
- ✓
Keep your fingers spread for better stability
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=keep+your+fingers+spread&tag=filsdu2025-20
- ✓
Ensure hands are at chest level, not near your face
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ensure+hands+chest+level&tag=filsdu2025-20
Important Warnings
- ⚠
Avoid placing hands too wide or too narrow
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=avoid+placing+hands+too&tag=filsdu2025-20
Engage Your Core
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=engage+your+core&tag=filsdu2025-20
Before beginning the movement, tighten your core muscles as if preparing for someone to punch your stomach. Keep your back flat – imagine balancing a glass of water on your lower back. This core engagement is crucial for maintaining proper form throughout the exercise and protecting your lower back from strain.
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=before+beginning+movement&tag=filsdu2025-20
Pro Tips
- ✓
Think about pulling your belly button toward your spine
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=think+about+pulling+your&tag=filsdu2025-20
- ✓
Keep breathing steadily while maintaining tension
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=keep+breathing+steadily+while&tag=filsdu2025-20
Important Warnings
- ⚠
Don't let your hips sag or pike upward
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
Lower Your Body
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lower+your+body&tag=filsdu2025-20
Begin the downward phase by bending your elbows, keeping them relatively close to your body at about a 45-degree angle. Lower yourself until your chest nearly touches the ground. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking at a spot on the floor about a foot in front of your hands. The movement should be slow and controlled.
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=begin+downward+phase+bending&tag=filsdu2025-20
Pro Tips
- ✓
Count to two while lowering down
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=count+two+while+lowering&tag=filsdu2025-20
- ✓
Keep your elbows from flaring out too wide
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=keep+your+elbows+flaring&tag=filsdu2025-20
Important Warnings
- ⚠
Don't let your shoulders shrug toward your ears
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
Push Back Up
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=push+back+up&tag=filsdu2025-20
Push your body back up to the starting position by extending your arms. Keep your core engaged and body straight throughout the movement. Exhale as you push up, focusing on using your chest muscles to drive the movement. The push should be smooth and controlled, not explosive.
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=push+your+body+back&tag=filsdu2025-20
Pro Tips
- ✓
Push through the entire palm of your hand
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=push+through+entire+palm&tag=filsdu2025-20
- ✓
Think about pushing the ground away from you
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks:👉 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=think+about+pushing+ground&tag=filsdu2025-20
Important Warnings
- ⚠
Don't lock your elbows at the top
Recommended Products
Looking for related items?
Check these Amazon options for great deals and top-rated picks: