Crank Out the Perfect Push-Up

Photo: mikebaird, Flickr

The push-up is one of the best exercises around, because it builds strength in the back, shoulders, chest and arms all at one time. That's Fit.ca shares the scoop on how to master the perfect push-up.

In a nutshell: Hands should be placed just outside the shoulders, feet hip-width apart (don't overestimate the size of your hips!), body should be perfectly in line from head to heels (think of your body as a plank of wood), tuck in your chin, eyes forward and then make sure your arms are straight at the top of your push-up (soft elbows) and your elbows are at 90 degrees at the bottom of your push-up -- for a full-range one, go all the way to the floor.

There's more -- like tips for speed and breathing, not to mention some pretty challenging push-up options too.