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Push-upsare pretty damn hard.

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Amber Venerable

I was 15, and the heaviest thing I lifted regularly was a large iced coffee from Dunkin.

I tried as hard as I could, but always dropped to my knees after five.

Knowing when and how to challenge yourself can help you reach your fitness goals faster.

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Even if youve mastered the basic push-up, its worth incorporating other types into your routine, she says.

As you progress, take away a yoga block.

Think of it as a moving plankyou’ll want to keep everything tight as you bend your arms.

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“Keep your neck neutral and aligned with your spine (chin tucked),” Stalzer says.

This places more force on the anterior deltoids and pectoralis minor," Stalzer says.

(Those are the muscles in the upper part of your chest, close to your shoulders.)

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Otherwise, your feet will start to slide.

They also add some sneaky back work into the push-up.

Triceps/Military-Style Push-Ups

“A military push-up is performed similar to that of a standard push-up.

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Diamond Push-Ups

This variation really challenges your triceps.

Clap Push-Ups

“The clapping push-up incorporates an explosive motion and a deceleration motion.

“It’s definitely an advanced move to work up to.”

Image may contain Human Person Exercise Sport Sports Working Out Fitness and Stretch

Image may contain Human Person Sport Fitness Sports Exercise Working Out Stretch and Yoga

Image may contain Human Person Sport Sports Exercise Working Out Fitness and Stretch

Image may contain Human Person Sport Sports Exercise Working Out Fitness Yoga and Stretch

Image may contain Human Person Sport Fitness Sports Exercise Working Out Yoga and Stretch

Image may contain Human Person Sport Fitness Sports Exercise Working Out Stretch and Yoga

Image may contain Human Person Sport Sports Exercise Working Out and Fitness

Image may contain Human Person Furniture Chair Exercise Sport Sports Working Out Fitness and Yoga

Image may contain Human Person Sport Sports Exercise Working Out Fitness and Yoga

Image may contain Human Person Sport Sports Exercise Working Out Fitness and Yoga

Image may contain Human Person Sport Sports Exercise Working Out Fitness and Stretch

Image may contain Human Person Exercise Sport Sports Working Out Fitness and Stretch