New Pushup technique that doesn’t RUIN your shoulders

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The Pushup is one of the first movement patterns we learn as babies.

It was amazing to watch my daughter Livia struggle through a one-rep max to push herself up off the floor and hold her oversized balloon head up so she could look around.

livia

But too many Pushups (horizontal push + internal rotation) without working the opposite movement patterns (horizontal pull + external rotation) can lead to muscle imbalances, postural dysfunctions, poor performance and pain.

That’s why today’s technique, which I call the Airplane Pushup, is one you’ll want to add to your workout repertoire.

Try it out along with me even just for a set or two to see how it feels and then use it in your workouts to keep your shoulders balanced and healthy.

Before you go – if you have friends that exercise, please share this post with them using one of the buttons below so they don’t ruin their shoulders and can stay fit and healthy just like you. Thanks!

Comments

14 responses to “New Pushup technique that doesn’t RUIN your shoulders”

May 10, 2016

muhammad ali

Would doing pullups after pushups have the same effect?
May 1, 2016

Judy Bucholz

Thanks for the video. I am currently doing your rotator cuff hardening program and getting a lot from that. WOW it really picks up where my ROM was different for each side. I massage all day so been working hard on loosening off the pecs after years of not undertaking much self-care. I like the airplane moves.
April 29, 2016

Keith Gascon

I hope to keep pumping out out push-ups like you at 68, Richard. I’m 56 and have been doing 100’s of push ups for years, and, like you, shoulders are hurting for it.
Eric, I appreciate your shoulder flexibility program and look forward to adding this to my workouts also. Keep the great advice coming.
Thanks, Keith
April 29, 2016

Vince

Richard, you’re a beast. Nice numbers!
April 29, 2016

Eric Wong

You eastern european guys are always so hardcore! lol

Thanks for stopping by hope the technique helps.
April 29, 2016

Eric Wong

better late than never 😉
April 29, 2016

Eric Wong

HEY – I’M TAKEN!!! 😉
April 29, 2016

Eric Wong

Cool thanks for sharing Linda! That baby pic was from when she was 3 months old… she’s much older and bigger now (and is still looking well)!
April 29, 2016

Richard Czerniawski

Thanks Eric. I love doing pushups and may do up to 300 in a chest workout, even at age 69. But my shoulders pay dearly. I always walk around with some kind of shoulder pain and reduced mobility even though I try to balance with pull exercises. I think what you’ve shared here is really helpful and I plan to put it into practice. Peace and best wishes, Richard
April 29, 2016

Garry

Great idea. I wish I had adopted this approach years ago, before rotator cuff tears in both shoulders. I still do push-ups, although fewer than in the past, and I will start to use the airplane push up method to offset the horizontal push.
April 29, 2016

linda

really love these. try to share things you show with husband and others at the gym. (baby is looking well.)
April 29, 2016

Jordan Bauman

Thanks! My shoulders love you already!
April 29, 2016

Eric Wong

hahah yeah she can be distracting 🙂
April 29, 2016

Trace Kennedy

Thanks for the video – great information that I will incorporate into my push-up routine. But, seriously, CUTEST picture ever. I could stare at your little girl all day! Absolutely adorable! 🙂