What are the advantages of push-ups and pull-ups?
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Push-ups are probably one of the most well-known workouts. And rightly so. Push-ups, like pull-ups, are relatively simple exercises that you can do (almost) anywhere and which train many different muscle groups. For the basic exercises, you don't need anything else but yourself: you train with your own body weight. If you do want a more intensive workout, you can get accessories that take up very little space.
Besides push-ups, pull-ups are also very popular and good for your body. Lifting is another exercise that requires little more than your own body weight. It is also called a "bodyweight exercise".
Which muscle groups do you train with push-ups?
Push-ups use many different muscles, especially in your upper body. The largest muscle group you train are your chest muscles. You also use your arm muscles (biceps and triceps), your shoulders, your lower and upper back and your abdominal muscles. In addition, you use your pelvis and legs while doing push-ups.
Which muscle groups do you train when you do pull-ups?
Pull-ups mainly train your broad back muscles. These run from your hips down your sides along the full length of your back. By pulling up, you also train your arms (biceps, triceps and forearms), your shoulders, your abdominal muscles, your chest and your middle and upper back. In addition, you strengthen all the small muscles along your spine.
How to do the perfect push-up
- 1. Put your hands with your fingers forward next to your chest and lie flat on your stomach on the floor.
- 2. Then come up into a plank position, with your toes on the ground. Tense your abdominal muscles, back muscles and buttock muscles. In this way, you prevent a hollow or bulging back.
- 3. Lower yourself gently by bending your arms.
- 4. When you reach the ground, push yourself up explosively while keeping your body as straight as a plank.
How to do the perfect pull-up
- 1. Grab the pull-up bar at shoulder width (or slightly wider) with an overhand grip. That is, palms forward (as opposed to the chin-up, where palms point backwards in an underhand grip). You can use a step to reach the bar. Then hang on to the bar in a stretched position. To stay clear of the ground, you can bend your legs slightly.
- 2. Now pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar. Keep your elbows next to your torso.
- 3. Then lower yourself again. Not in one go, but slowly, until your arms are stretched out again.
