In an Instagram post, Dr. Chiro shared that the push-up bars (you know, the ones in the corner gathering dust at the gym) offer one way to complete push-ups that’s less taxing on the wrists. “This push-up variety is, 1. safer on your wrists, 2. better for chest development because it allows for a greater range of motion, [and] 3. Better for your core. It’s like a plank and pushup in one,” she writes. Did you hear that? The tweak makes push-ups more effective and less painful.
Got wrist pain from push-ups? Try this modification
Step 1: Grab a pair of push-up bars and position them so they’re a little bit wider than the width of your shoulders.
Step 2: Assume push-up position with your hands on the bars rather than the floor.
Step 3: Keep your hips tucked and your glutes engaged as you slowly lower down. Hold at the bottom for 5 seconds.
Step 4: Use your core to push back up to plank position.
Step 5: Repeat until you’ve filled your push-up quota for the day.
How to master the push-up, according to a trainer:
To round out your workout, try these 5 basic Pilates moves or the US gymnastics team’s stretching routine.