With spring fast approaching, the question on everyone’s lips will be – how to lose weight? There are many different theories as to the ideal way of living in order to lose the most weight, but for those who want to utilize basic physiology to shed a few pounds, there is a simple but effective solution—pushups!
If you’re unfamiliar, pushups are a form of exercise where you prop your bodyweight up on your arms and perform arm lifts. Doing so works the muscles of your arms, shoulders, and core. While there are numerous variations of the workout, in general, you will start by doing traditional pushups, followed by some form of weighted exercise (like pulling a weighted sled or carrying a kettlebell).
The beauty of this workout is that it doesn’t require any equipment. All you need is a willing partner and a place to work out. Plus, you get to enjoy the sunshine while burning calories!
So, can pushups help you lose weight? Let’s take a look.
The Great For Any Body Type
While there are numerous workout variations for those who want to lose weight, the fact is that any body type can do pushups. It’s great for beginners since there is no need to focus on executing specific movements (like the squat or the lunge). Just focus on maintaining proper form and position and you’ll be able to work your arms without risking injury.
This is also a great option for those who want to shed a few pounds without having to completely change their eating habits. Instead of focusing on foods with lots of calories, those who want to lose weight can instead choose to focus on strengthening their arms through regular pushups.
For those who want to go the extra mile, they can perform weighted pushups. Simply grab a weight of your choice and set it down on the floor in front of you. As you lift your arms, you will be lifting the weight as well. That’s not all, though. As you lift the weight, your body will be forced into a straight line, increasing the efficiency of your workout.
Increases Cardiovascular Health
For those who want to lose weight, cardio is undoubtedly one of the best bets for increasing their overall health. However, there is also a great deal of evidence suggesting that regular pushups can increase one’s cardiovascular health. After all, performing regular pushups helps strengthen your arms and increase your stamina. This allows you to get the most out of your cardio sessions and helps improve your health overall. For those who want to shed a few pounds, this is certainly an ideal option.
Helps Build Strength
Anyone who wants to lose weight will tell you that gaining strength is the key to being able to successfully reach their goal. That’s mostly because when you have more strength, you can more easily resist the urge to eat the foods you crave or eat more than you need. This, in turn, can help you attain your desired look.
When lifting your arms, the muscles of your shoulders and arms will be working harder than usual. That’s good because it means you’re developing strong arms that can help you reach your weight loss goals. There is also a fun fact about this workout that may make you want to try it—the faster you can do 10 repetitions, the better. According to research, men and women who can do 10 repetitions in less than 10 minutes can expect to see significant weight loss. So, keep that in mind as you perform your reps.
Prevents Arthritis
For those who want to lose weight, there is also the option of doing so without risking their health. Those who want to prevent arthritis ought to try out this option. After all, studies have shown that those who do regular pushups are less likely to get arthritis as they get older. Just remember to stretch after your workout so you don’t end up with any tightness in your muscles or joints.
Improves Mental Health
For those who want to lose weight, there is also the option of doing so without risking their mental health. For those who want to improve their mental health, this is the perfect option since it allows them to take a quick break from their day-to-day routine while also getting some exercise. As a result, those who do regular pushups report feeling less stressed and more relaxed.
More Likely To Be Successful
According to research, those who do regular pushups are more likely to be successful at losing weight. Why is that? Simply put, people who do regular pushups are more likely to continue to push themselves since they know they’ll be needing the fitness they get from the exercise. This, in turn, can help them stay motivated to lose weight since they’ll be remembering how much they benefited from the exercise.
Based on the results of a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, those who do regular pushups are 71% more likely to have maintained their weight loss than those who don’t do them. So, for those who want to lose weight and are looking for an easier way to do so, doing regular pushups can help improve their chances of being successful.
There is also the option for those who want to get stronger and more defined arms to shreds in record time. If you’re looking for a challenging workout option that builds stamina and strength, doing weighted pushups is the way to go. You will need a weight that is approximately equal to your bodyweight, plus a little bit more. Lie down on the floor and place the weight on the outside of your arms. As you lift your arms, you will be lifting the weight as well. That’s not all, though. As you lift the weight, your body will be forced into a straight line, increasing the efficiency of your workout.