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How to do a simple Push-up Matrix.

video How to do a simple Push-up Matrix.
I have been a strength and condition coach for a long time and i decided to give back to my community by posting some exercise videos! I really love the idea of Instructables.com, so that why all of my videos will be featured here!
So with that being said, is everyone ready to train some chest? If so then this routine is for you! I call this a very simple push up matrix because it focuses on the basics. It’s extremely important to have a good foundation in any exercise by learning proper form. The following routine also has a close-grip variation that focuses a bit more on triceps! This will prevent injury and maximize results! The push up routine shown in the video below can be down anywhere anytime. This routine will also give your chest some dexterity training by doing the push ups on a unleveled platform, this will really shock your muscle into a growth phase! Try your best to master the forms first, this will allow you to graduate to my more advanced push up matrix which will be posted very soon! You can follow my humble little fitness site at http://ReactMethod.com

P.s I just finished my own chest workout so if i sound a little out of breath. sorry ';]

When watching this video keep in mind the following key points!

1.This routine requires some sort of small raised platform. For example: a phone book, a thick hard cover book, An aerobic stepper ect. Be creative, but keep it safe. Do not use anything that will slide from underneath your hand. I prefer a yellow pages or a yoga block.
Elbows are tight to the body. Never flare them out. By flaring out your elbows, it will put too much stress on your rotator cuff. Keeping our elbows in pointed towards the hipbone give us a lot more power too. Try it and see for yourself.

2.Keep a strong core! Never allow your Abs and back to cave in towards the floor. Always raise your tail bone slightly. Keeping out tail bone raised makes our center very sturdy during the movements of a push up.

3.Do not let your chest touch the floor! Do not lock your arms out at the top of the push up. Doing these two things makes our chest muscle (Pecs) rest, resulting in less effectiveness of the exercise. Also locking your arms at the top of the push up involves too much Triceps. We only lock our arms out during the close grip movement of this push up routine, helping us get a bit more squeeze.

4.In between sets we will be performing a isometric. Keep your palms together as if you were praying or crushing something. Hold this position squeezing hard as you can for 10 seconds. This recruits a lot of muscle fibers, maximizing the work out results.

5.If you have a hard time doing a normal push up, this whole routine can be done from a modified position. Refer to these 2 photos links for correct modified push up positions. Modified 1    Modified 2

6.And last but not least, try to take all you reps as far as you can. Try working through the muscle burn. When you achieve muscle failure, insert you knee forward for support and return to a kneeling position. This takes pressure off your lower back.



 
58 comments
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Jul 5, 2011. 7:59 AMMike73 says:
Great video. I started walking and doing some sit ups and push ups last week after a long period of inactivity. After gaining some weight, I thought it was time I start again with some work out and got me a gymnastics mat for the living room. I'll certainly try your tips tonight but will go with the easier version of the push ups. I guess I currently have some sort of joint issue (which is also why I started walking instead of jogging) but hope this will sort itself out soon.
Jul 6, 2011. 12:23 AMMike73 says:
I already tried the push up matrix. I didn't do too many reps, but the tips about keeping the elbows close and using a book for one side while exercising certainly did make a difference.
Today I'll try your tutorial for the abs, too.
This really is a great help to get in shape :-)
Jun 21, 2011. 10:49 PMEmsaid says:
Thanks for putting this one here! its really helped me, I used to be only able to do about 30 3seconed push ups but with this and some ab work outs ive bumped it up to 101 pushups! great work! thanks again
May 20, 2011. 1:23 PMglier says:
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! your shirt its too funny, i'd say it fits your spirit more than your body
Mar 20, 2011. 7:45 PMmayej says:
Great instructional.
I was a meat head until about 15yrs ago. Broke my right ankle and hyper extended my left knee. Once that was healed up, I got back in the gym. ONE MONTH later I break my left ankle and actually tore my left knee that time. Had surgery and all that jazz. But after about a year of being out of the gym, I never went back. I've still watched what I ate, stuck to decent foods and eat my greens, but at 42 now I have to admit the midsection has grown a bit.
I'm currently nursing my right shoulder as I think I might have tore something in it. I can do bench, but not military press. It happened 9 months ago, but there is still pain when I move my shoulder certain ways.
I think it's time I finally went to a doctor, huh?...lol
Anyway, again, GREAT instructional. The variance of where you place your hands is great and for those out there not familiar with it, it does work!
Apr 25, 2011. 10:47 AMmayej says:
Oh I won't.
I want to point out your supportive and positive attitude was noticed in your video as well as your comments.
Keep it up! Too many haters out there as it is.
~Jef
Apr 15, 2011. 12:27 PMben256 says:
Great instructable man, I was just wondering what effect does using the pad like that do?
Mar 24, 2011. 7:47 AMEv says:
Push-ups strengthen the muscles you use when you fall! Strong upper muscles protect your head from dangerous impact in a fall. Suggest push-ups to any aging person, it could save their life!
Mar 23, 2011. 10:05 AMgrubermeister says:
Great instruction. The most helpful thing is detailed instruction on form. I will definitely be checking out your other instructables, and web site.
Mar 20, 2011. 2:02 PMZergling_pack says:
You've earned yourself a follower. I have been wanting to start working out again, but I'm not going to lie it's hard to motivate myself into starting. Any tips on how you keep yourself working out routinely?
Mar 23, 2011. 10:00 AMgrubermeister says:
Great idea!!! I always think about exercising at times that I am busy, but forget to actually do it when I free up. It's so simple. Thank you!
Mar 21, 2011. 11:04 PMZergling_pack says:
Thank you so much it does sound silly, but it's definetly worth a shot. Also a lot of my friends started getting into shape a couple months back and all of them say that cardio isn't as important as push-ups, weight training, ext., but I have no clue if I should believe them I would rather trust a professional such as yourself.
Mar 20, 2011. 11:08 PMmammoo93 says:
Great video man! I have checked out your website too and it would be awesome to see a video for that abs exercise you have on there. I am keen to get great abs but there is a small layer of fat covering them :( could you please address this too, as I'm sure many people have the same issue.
Cheers mate
Mar 22, 2011. 12:29 AMmammoo93 says:
Most excellent, sir!
Looking forward to some routines that don't require $$$ of equipment to carry out.
Mar 21, 2011. 6:48 AMwalshlg says:
Your atttention to the responses is also motivating me! Thanks a lot.

BTW here is another sticky to post at work

SIT UP

amazing how it works the abs and helps the back if you don't lean against that chairback. Think about it as 9 hours of mild ab/ core exercise a day.
Mar 21, 2011. 12:11 AMKGood says:
This will be a great supplement between my Navy PT days, thanks! I like your method of working to fail rather than assuming everyone can do a certain number of reps, or that a specific number is appropriate for all types of bodies. I plan to keep checking for new videos!
Mar 20, 2011. 8:33 PMwalshlg says:
HELP, I keep getting "tennis elbow" from my pushups done with my elbows in.
Mar 20, 2011. 6:41 PMmjursic says:
Simple but effective = EXCELLENT instructable! Thanks!
Mar 20, 2011. 6:41 PMfleurcmoi says:
nice. THANKS FOR THE TIPS
Mar 17, 2011. 1:25 PMgjudki says:
I love that "Strong people are harder to kill" shirt. Is that for sale somewhere?!
Mar 20, 2011. 8:49 AMspiceyweasel says:
Though I agree with that statement from a health issue concern, I must begrudgingly admit had it NOT been for the huge belly I have amassed since my accident, I would now be dead. I was shot in the stomach during a robbery attempt and the fat caused the bullet to miss hitting anything vital. I even returned to work the next day. Still, I miss the days when I looked like the middle brother between Schwarzennegar and Van Damme......and, apparently, so do the ladies from my high school class.
Mar 20, 2011. 3:59 PMdummy1977 says:
Good grief, man... I'd hate to work anywhere that I'd be in a position of *not* using the whole "not coming in, as i was shot in the murf@#^ing stomach" card no matter how lucky the outcome turned out to be, all things considered.

Sorry to hear you went through that, I'm glad to hear you escaped disaster.
Mar 20, 2011. 12:55 PM9ale7 says:
wooow!!
how big is your belly ?!
hahahaha
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Author:ReactMethod.com(ReactMethod.com)
I consider my self a jack of all trades. I love fitness and have been into it for about 13 years! I have a very odd blend of life skills including, Martial arts and Magic. When i say magic i don't me...
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