Best Push Up Variations for Building a Better Chest

Push ups are one of the key fundamental exercises for anyone looking to build a bigger stronger chest. Push ups are not only great for your chest, but also help define the abs, triceps, shoulders and torso. One downside with push ups is that they become easy over time so you need to include variations to keep your muscles growing. Here are 7 pushup variations that don’t require having  home gym machines:

Uneven Push Ups

From standard push up position you will place one hand on an elevated surface like a medicine ball and place the other hand on the floor. The higher your hand is elevated the more isolation and better muscle grow you will experience. Perform all the repetitions on one side before switching.

Diamond Push Ups

Get into the pushup position but for this variation put your hands together so that your thumbs and index fingers form a diamond shape. To make it easier spread your legs. At the top of the movement be sure to flex your chest hard for extra muscle growth. This movement will also engage more of your triceps and the middle of your chest.

Explosive Push Ups

Set up in the classic position on a well-padded carpet or exercise mat. Push up hard enough for your hands to come off the floor and catch some air. When you hit the floor, go immediately into the next repetition, pushing up again as hard as you can and catching more air.

Barbell Push Ups

Set up in the classic position but you may wish to include a towel or pad. As you come to the top of the movement push up hard enough so that your hands get some air. When you hit the floor immediately go into the next repetition.

Stability Ball Push Ups

In the standard push up position place your feet on a stability ball. Perform your push up keeping your core tight. This movement adds an extra element of difficulty that will force you to stabilize your body will completing repetitions.

Plank to Push Up

From the plank position where your forearms are flat on the ground lift one arm up so that your palm is flat on the ground. Then raise your other arm up. Once in an elevated plank position lower yourself back into a plank.

Walking Push Ups

Set up in the classic pushup position on a smooth floor, and place your feet on a towel. Walk with your hands across the room, turn, and walk back. Keep your back flat throughout the movement.

Push ups variations will help you develop a fuller stronger chest. Bodyweight exercise can transform your body now so you don’t even need expensive multi station home gyms to build a better chest. No more excuses! Get to work!