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Monday, 26 September 2005, 10:28 GMT 11:28 UK

Box press-up

How to do... the box press-up

The box press-up is an easier version of the full press-up.

It provides less strain on the target muscles.

However, it is still a good exercise for toning your chest and your shoulders.

STEP ONE

Place your hands underneath your shoulders with your fingers facing forward.

Rest your knees and your feet on the floor. Make a box shape with your arms, your body, your thighs and the floor.

STEP TWO

Bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the floor.

Try not to go lower than two inches from the floor.

Aim to make a right angle with your arms but stay within your own limits.

You should feel your chest and shoulders working as you push back to your starting position.

STEP THREE

Make sure you keep a straight spine. Try to avoid forcing your bottom into the air and also arching of the back.

The rhythm should be smooth throughout the exercise.

The exercise can be performed in a number of ways to add more variety by varying the width of the arms:

  • The closer your hands are together the more the exercise will work your triceps. Tuck your elbows in for a better technique

  • The further apart the hands are means there is more emphasis on the chest




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