Push-Ups Transformation

Would you laugh if I told you that my new found push-ups practice is a great part of my Yoga practice?

For the last 2 months or so me and a few friends have committed to a nearly nightly push ups routine inspired by our returning friend who has kept this discipline solidly for about 10 year! Needless to say, he's very focused and very strong and an all around inspiring guy that often does a lot of other superhuman feats like swimming from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui on several occasions and running up and down the mountain frequently in the morning.

Just like any practice which really makes you discipline yourself...I've found that somedays the performance is better or worse. Last night...I broke some kind of threshold and perfected the technique and experienced my discipline and dedication in a way I never have before. I also experienced a real transformation in my body, and I don't mean just getting bigger pecs...thats nice and all but I'm a holistic guy! The transformation was to my posture and body integration, as well as to my concentration. Now that's really what I like!

So, how to do this practice? Very simply.

1. One minute, do push ups.
2. One minute rest.
Repeat.

Ok. So. Do you want to get in on this with us? Here's what you need to know.

1. You got to have a solid plank pose before doing push ups. Plank works a lot of muscle groups in the body, notably the deltoids, pecs, entire abdomen, quadriceps, and more. 
2. When you do push ups only go down as low as you can maintain the straight and firm feeling of plank. If this means you bend your arms 45* or less, so be it. 
3. To get the most power in your push up, inhale on the way down, hold your breath briefly while pushing up, and then exhale only at the end of the movement. You will be able to keep consistent power much longer this way.
4. Only go down if you are coming back up without collapsing!
5. If you don't think you can go down and up again...just keep in plank. If you want to challenge yourself a little bit more than that, slowly exhale one knee to your armpit, slightly rounding your back and tucking your tailbone. Hold for several seconds.
​6. Do this every other day for proper rest of the muscles. If you want to train other muscles on the day off feel free but make sure you rest, eat proper, and sleep enough every night! The key is as always, discipline!