Some call the push-up “the world’s greatest exercise”. Others say it’s a “body-altering, core-strengthening move” without equal. Now, new US research by Harvard Medical School scientists adds to that fulsome praise and raises the push-up’s reputation to brave new heights.
While the researchers don’t explicitly say it, their study also strongly suggests the push-up could be a good way to reduce your risk of premature death from heart attack or stroke. They refer to evidence showing that physical activity provides cardiovascular benefits independent of other modifiable risk factors associated with a lower incidence of diseases, and not just of CVD but diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s as well. They also refer to US research showing that moderate to vigorous physical activity may significantly reduce premature death and prolong life expectancy.
Data pointed to a whopping 96% reduction in CVD incidents compared with those who could finish fewer than 10 push-ups. The researchers rightly interpreted that as a strong association between a higher baseline push-up capacity with a lower incidence of CVD events. They concluded that push-up capacity may be a simple, “no-cost measure to estimate functional status”.
Push-ups have been mainstays of school and military physical training programmes for good reason, he says. Whichever method of push-up you choose, Naidoo says you should ensure your posture is correct and your “core” muscles are tightened throughout the movement.Get our news and views in your inbox
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