Why Push-Ups Are Making a Comeback
By Sandy Schroeder
Are you up for 20 quick push-ups? In today's world of planks, push-ups may be resurging to give us an immediate reading on our fitness, and estimate the risk for heart problems, according to Harvard Health.
A recent study of male firefighters, published in JAMA Network Open, said men who did 40 or more push-ups in 30 seconds were at a much lower risk for heart disease in their future than men who could only do 10 or fewer push-ups.
Dr. Edward Phillips, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, said, "How many push-ups you can do at one time offers a real-time measurement of your strength and muscular endurance. You can test yourself whenever you want."
Everybody's Doing Them
Push-ups are becoming a trendy way to compete and create a personal incentive. Now individuals are asking how many can I do in 30 seconds? Can I do 15 to 20 nonstop? And that leads to questions about how many they can do in a week, or a month. Be sure to check in with your doctor first if this sounds like a fun way to motivate yourself.
Then look for your starting point. See how many push-ups you can do at one time. Your first attempt could be five, 10, or two or three. Take a day off and then try to hit this point again.
If you are doing a regular push-up, you are lifting 50 to 75 percent of your body weight. Modified push-ups from hands and knees or leaning at a slant against a wall lift about 35 to 45 percent body weight.
How Chiropractic Can Help
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you staffs a wellness center with licensed chiropractors who help individuals define their own health and fitness levels.
Bring your goals for fitness, questions about push-ups and any other issues, to review your daily routine and health history with your chiropractor. Starting with a focus on spinal health, the goal will be to help you improve your spinal health, which may play out in better overall health.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may ease aches and pains and create a pervasive sense of wellness with improved sleep, clearer thinking, and fresh energy.
Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may keep the energy flowing and serve as a fitness platform to work on those push-ups. Your chiropractor will monitor your progress and watch for any new issues to catch them before they morph into major issues.
When you are ready to begin, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare packages and plans eliminate the hassle of insurance. No appointments are needed and weekend and evening hours are available.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.