Almost every expert on fitness agrees that push-ups are an excellent upper body exercise for beginners. While most people think that this exercise is easy to execute, nothing can be further from the truth. There are two ways of executing the simple push-up (much like any other exercise): the right way or the wrong way. And in doing it the wrong way, one can cause injuries to the shoulder or back if not executed correctly.

As most people know, here are the instructions as to how one can do a pushup. Assume the starting position for the push-up with your elbows locked. Lower your body with your elbows until your chest touches the floor. Come back to the starting position by pushing through the floor.

Since there is a tendency for one to get it wrong, here are a few tips as to how one can execute a push-up correctly:

1. Position of your hands

Don’t position your hands out too wide. The maximum width that is allowed if one wants to execute a pushup correctly is slightly wider than your shoulder length. Also remember to keep your hands turned out by 45 degrees.

2. Push your abs out

Maintain a straight line from ankles to shoulders, and push your abs out as if someone is about to punch you.

3. Tuck your elbows

Maintain a 45 degrees angle between your elbows and body as this makes it easier, and which might be a good idea for beginners to start with before switching to the harder variations of pushups.

4. Tuck your chin

While it is vital that one must not look forward when executing the pushup, it is also just as important to keep your neck in line with the rest of your spine. Remember to lead with your chest and not your spine.

5. Squeeze your Glutes

When executing the pushup, remember to squeeze your glutes while pushing your abs out. This will ensure that there is no hyperextension of the lower back.