Archive for November, 2009
Martial Arts Training – Conditioning and Strength Exercises For Martial Arts – Push-Ups
Push-ups are an easy and effective way to gain strength. They can be performed almost anywhere, under any conditions and by almost anyone. As always, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Strenuous exercise places stress and fatigue on the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles. If you were to injure or tear one of these, your training could be postponed for quite some time while they heal.
Push-ups strengthen the pectoral (the chest) muscles, as well as the shoulders and arms. Push-ups can be performed on the palms, knuckles, fingertips or wrists. Begin with three sets of ten repetitions each. As your condition improves increase the number of repetitions and sets.
The starting position of the fist-formed push-up on the floor or on a makiwari board is as follows. Closed fists rest on the floor or board with the hands a little wider than your shoulders. Your legs extend behind you and are straight, your back is straight, and your head is up. Bend at the elbows and as you inhale, lower your chest to within two inches of the floor or board. Push against the floor, and as you exhale, and raise your body. Repeat the exercise.
An alternate way when starting a push-up regimen is to place your knees on the floor instead of your feet. This position will create less weight on your shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands. If you find it too difficult to do push-ups the traditional way then use this technique until you gain enough strength to perform the traditional technique. There is no sense in injuring yourself or being frustrated at your progress when just starting out. Work your way up slowly. With time and diligence, your strength will improve.