Do a Diamond Pushup
The diamond push up is an pretty advanced form of this classic exercise. It's commonly used as a warm-up in the Army. You place your hands in a diamond shape, lower yourself to the ground and push back up. This targets your chest as well as your abs. See Step 1 to learn how to do it.
Steps
- Get on a mat. It's a good idea to do this exercise on a mat, which will slightly cushion your hands. Doing it on a hard surface may be hard on your hands and wrists.
- Move into push up position. Face the mat and stretch out your arms and legs a bit to get ready.
- Place your hands under your chest and make a diamond shape. Touch your forefingers together and your thumbs together. This forms your diamond, also known as a pyramid.
- Lower yourself to the ground, then push up. Keep your back straight and tense your abs and chest. Make sure to keep your fingers in the correct diamond position. Repeat.
Tips
- Start out at your first one as slow as possible to get the hang of the form. Then later increase your speed as you go up until it's at normal.
- If you can do at least 20 regular push ups you could do that first.
- Work out and flex your arms and your muscles.
- Make sure you don't push yourself too far, as you are just learning.
- Don't lock your arms on the way up!
Warnings
- These can make your body sore if its your first time but that means your muscles are growing so don't give up if you feel pain!
- Never push your arms or the position farther from your chest or you might injure yourself.
- Do not point your elbows outward so much or you will pull a muscle.
