Here, an execiser performs a variation of the "ultimate" push-up by placing her feet on a bench.
I’m a big fan of push-ups. You can do them anywhere and they’re hugely effective. In fact, I love push-ups so much that I made a YouTube video with 17 variations.
But today, I discovered the ULTIMATE push-up; it builds strength, increases coordination and improves balance. It also totally kicked my butt – and I hope it kicks yours, too.
Here’s how you do it:
- Get into the starting push-up position while gripping a weight plate in each hand. I prefer using 10 lb weight plates.
- Brace your core and balance the free weight on its side (see the woman in the picture – though you won’t need to put your feet on a bench if you’re using small weights). You’re essentially balancing yourself on a weight plate.
- Hold this position for 30 – 60 seconds. It’s no small feat.
- Then, perform push-ups. Try for sets of 10 reps.
If it’s too hard to find your balance, you could use medicine balls instead of the weight plates. If it’s too easy, you can introduce some variations like lifting one leg at a time or using bigger weight plates and placing your feet on a bench.
Either way, it’s super challenging – and super effective. Enjoy!
Are you sure this is safe? What if one of the weight plates topples and crushed your hand or twists it or something… I can see no end of things that could go wrong here.
Besides that, I love your work, you’re amazing and i’m always looking for updates on your videos!
I second this. I looks kinda dangerous.
I also love your work! It made my work outs seem so much more balanced and enjoyable.
It’s a lot safer with the 10 lb. weight plates that I use… but if you still feel unstable, you can always opt for the medicine ball instead of the weight plates.
My trainer already has me do the pushups with medicine balls and Bosu balls.
You can also use dumbbells for a similar effect
It’s similar with the dumbbells but they are much easier to balance than a weight plate on its side. This is pretty challenging!
Wouldn’t the ultimate push-up be the ability to do that with your feet in the air; like a handstand, while you grab onto those plates? Ultimate killer among people trying it I would guess, completely dangerous too. However just something I thought I would bring up.
They also make pushup bars that will give you a similar and more stable effect. They’re just bars that sit on the floor, I’ve seen several including some that will rotate in place while you push up.
I will definitely try this but I suck at push ups so here’s hoping that I can build muscle in my arms using this technique. =P
Couldn’t you just hold a plank for 60 seconds and then do the pushups? I don’t really see the diff.
its called “Balance” guys lol
I’m using the 10lb weights and have only succeeded in doing planks, which in and of themselves is challenging. I’ve tried doing slow pushups but have found myself falling over (and slightly crushing my fingers). Any tips on how to fall and let go without doing that much damage? Thanks!