Pushup arm position?

[hkw53]

I am wondering what is the best position for your arms when doing pushups. Should they go out to the side or should your elbows fold backwards close to the body? Any pictures?

Thanks

[tom]

I keep my elbows right at my side, my hands under my sides. Physiologically that is better, it avoids shoulder rotator cuff problems. I've verified that with physical therapists. Also, it is a stronger position, with the elbows in even if the hands are wider. To show that, in power lifting, benching, the coaches teach elbows towards the side, use the lats.

With all that being said, don't worry too much about it. There are top push-uppers who ignore all of the above with no problems. Try different positions for flexibility, hitting different muscles, etc. My only caution is that as you go wide, be careful and conscious at first until your body is used to it and you find your groove - just common sense.

I have gotten less dogmatic about right and wrong as the years go by. Now I also, very carefully, sprinkle in different widths and elbow position, after 40 years of doing them one way.

To each his own definition of what a push up is.

Tom

[JoeJustice]

hkw,

We discussed this not too long ago. Check out this thread and see if it helps or you can add to the discussion! :)

http://www.transformetrics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=566

-Joe

[gruntbrain]

Altering pushup styles incl. hand position is a good thing; clearly some styles( eg very wide hand spacing) may result in injury but if done in small numbers can be effective with minimal risk

[Nathan]

Hey hkw53,

I would do what Tom suggested. Play around with different widths and elbow positions. They are all good to do because you are working the muscles from different angles and actually protecting you from injury. :) Good luck and all the best.

---Nathan