Seal Push Up

The Seal Push Up is a challenging variation of the traditional push up exercise that engages multiple muscles in your upper body while also targeting your core. This exercise gets its name from the unique positioning of your hands during the movement, resembling a seal clapping its flippers together. Adding the Seal Push Up to your workout routine can help you enhance your strength, stability, and overall muscular development. During a Seal Push Up, instead of placing your hands directly under your shoulders, you spread them wider, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. This wider hand placement forces your chest, triceps, shoulders, and upper back muscles to work harder to support your body weight. The increased range of motion in your shoulders also helps improve flexibility in this area. Additionally, when performing the Seal Push Up, your chest is lowered closer to the ground, increasing the demand on your core muscles for stability. This added challenge makes it an excellent exercise for developing core strength and improving overall body control. The Seal Push Up can also help improve your posture and enhance shoulder stability, making it beneficial for those who spend long hours sitting or hunched over a desk. Incorporating Seal Push Ups into your workout routine can provide a fresh challenge and help you break through any training plateaus. However, it's important to approach this exercise with caution, especially if you are new to push ups or have any pre-existing shoulder or wrist issues. Always make sure to maintain proper form and listen to your body to avoid any potential injuries.

Instructions

• Start in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
• Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and rotate your fingers out to the sides.
• Lower your chest towards the ground while keeping your elbows tucked in close to your body.
• Press through your palms and extend your arms to return to the starting position.
• During the upward phase, engage your core and squeeze your glutes to maintain stability.
• Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core muscles throughout the movement to maintain stability and control.
• Focus on maintaining proper form and alignment, keeping your body in a straight line from head to toe.
• Start with a modified version of the exercise by performing push-ups on your knees.
• Gradually increase the range of motion by pressing your upper body higher off the ground with each repetition.
• Incorporate this exercise into your regular workout routine to improve upper body strength and stability.
• Remember to warm up your muscles before attempting this exercise to prevent injury.
• Control your breathing during the exercise, inhaling as you lower your body and exhaling as you push back up.
• Utilize a mirror or ask a training partner to check your form to ensure you are performing the exercise correctly.
• Listen to your body and progress at a pace that is comfortable for you, gradually increasing the intensity and difficulty over time.
• Consider incorporating variations of the seal push up, such as alternating arm raises or adding instability by using a stability ball.