How To Reduce Stress Of Elbow Nerves When Doing Pushups?

Ah, pushups! The bread and butter of bodyweight exercises, beloved and bemoaned in equal measures. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym rat, pushups are likely part of your routine. But here’s the kicker – as straightforward as they may seem, pushups can sometimes feel like a nemesis to your elbow nerves. Every downward motion can send a zing of discomfort that makes you question your life choices. Fear not, fellow fitness aficionados! We’re about to dive into some top-notch strategies to keep your elbows as happy as a clam while you crush those pushups.

Easing the Strain: Protect Your Elbows

First things first, let’s chat about the importance of form. Often, elbow angst stems from subpar technique. Here’s the skinny on keeping your pushups polished:

1. Alignment is King: Imagine your body as a straight line from your heels to the tip-top of your head. Don’t let that booty sag or pop up like you’re twerking. It’s all about the plank position, folks.

2. Wrist Woes: If your wrists are angling like they’re trying to impersonate the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’re gonna have a bad time. Keep them straight and directly under your shoulders.

3. Elbow Etiquette: This is the golden nugget of advice – don’t flare those elbows out like a chicken ready to take flight. Aim for a 45-degree angle from your body. It’s a sweet spot that reduces undue stress on your elbow nerves.

Tricks of the Trade: Reducing Elbow Stress

Now, onto the juicy bits – how to make sure your elbows don’t throw a fit every time you drop for pushups.

• Warm-Up Wonderland: Never, and I mean never, jump into pushups cold. Your muscles and joints need a little romance first, a bit of warming up to get the blood flowing. A good warm-up session can be the difference between pain and pleasure in the pushup game.

• Pushup Variations: One size does not fit all. If standard pushups have your elbows screaming for mercy, why not try knee pushups? They’re gentler on the joints. Or, experiment with wall pushups to really dial down the pressure.

• Accessorize Your Pushups: Ever heard of pushup bars or grips? They’re not just for show. These nifty gadgets keep your wrists happy and can alter the angle of your pushups, potentially easing the elbow strain.

• Strengthen The Support Crew: Your elbows aren’t lone wolves; they’re part of an ecosystem. Strengthening the muscles around your elbows – think biceps, triceps, and shoulders – can help them handle the load better. Resistance band exercises are a stellar way to go about this.

• Flexibility Is Your Friend: Tight muscles contribute to a whole host of problems, elbow distress included. Incorporate flexibility and mobility exercises into your routine. A little stretching goes a long way.

• Listen to Your Body: At the end of the day, your body’s signals are the most important. If pushups are consistently causing discomfort, it might be time to consult with a physical therapist or fitness pro. No shame in the modification game!

Wrapping It Up With a Bow

Pushups don’t have to be the villain in your fitness story. With a sprinkle of mindfulness and a dash of modification, you can keep those elbows joyful and join the ranks of pushup pros. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a sprint. Listen to your body, tweak your technique, and you’ll be knocking out pushups like it’s nobody’s business, minus the elbow drama. Stay strong and push on, my friends!