Understanding Elbow Positioning During Push-Ups

Understanding Elbow Positioning During Push-Ups: A Guide from Jack Burton and Rob Shoecraft

Well, let me tell ya something, folks. You think you got push-ups all figured out, right? Just get down, crank ’em out, and call it a day. But ol’ Jack Burton here, along with my good buddy Rob Shoecraft from Three Storm Fitness, has got more to say on the matter. We’re diving into the wild world of elbow positioning during push-ups, a topic hotter than a dragon’s breath in the fitness community.

Setting the Stage: The Myth of the Elbow

Now, you’ve probably heard a thousand opinions about where those elbows of yours should be pointing when you’re down on the floor. Should they face out? Should they face in? Should they be pointing to the great beyond? Well, my pal Rob Shoecraft likes to cut through the noise with a little thing he calls “screwing your palms into the floor.” It’s a cue he picked up from none other than Dr. Kelly Starrett. You see, it’s not all about where your elbows are pointing, pal, but about what you’re doing with the rest of your body.

Get a Grip: Screwing Your Palms

Screwing your palms into the floor. Sounds like something you’d do to fix a loose shelf, right? But this trick is about getting your elbows to face a certain way – let’s say north – and engaging muscles you didn’t even know you had. You put your palms down, twist ’em like you’re trying to unscrew a stubborn jar, and bam – you’re recruiting lats, your upper back, and all those other muscles that make you look like a powerhouse in the gym.

The Mighty Lats and the Elusive Torque

Here’s the deal, folks. It’s not about the elbow angle itself; it’s about getting your lats to join the party. Rob’s seen it a thousand times – folks doing push-ups without engaging the lats, shoulders taking all the heat, and sooner or later, they’re in a world of hurt. So, we’re talking about creating torque, that magical force that makes everything line up just right. When you screw your palms in, you’re building a solid foundation to push from, protecting those shoulders from unnecessary wear and tear.

Shoulders, Lats, and the Push-Up Platform

Picture this: you’re doing a push-up, elbows flared like you’re trying to take flight. Sure, you might be hitting your chest and triceps, but what about the lats and upper back, huh? Rob’s wisdom tells us that when you cue those lats by screwing the palms, you’re not just building muscle; you’re creating a more stable pressing platform. It’s like upgrading from a rickety old truck to a finely tuned machine.

Learning from the Powerlifters

If you’ve ever seen those powerlifters bending bars like they’re made of licorice, you know they’re onto something. They create torque, recruit every muscle they can, and make their lifts count. Same goes for push-ups. Bend the bar or break the bar – same principle applies when you’re down on the floor. It’s all about creating that foundation, that stability, that power. And let me tell ya, that’s where Rob Shoecraft shines – he’s got the know-how to turn you into a push-up powerhouse.

Finding Your Own Path: Elbow Angles and Personal Comfort

Now, maybe you’ve seen folks with elbows flaring out like a pair of wings, or tucked in tight like they’re trying to hide ’em. What’s the right way? Well, that’s where things get interesting. Rob would tell you, it ultimately boils down to what feels right for you and keeps you injury-free. You can have your elbows face in, out, or somewhere in between, but if you’re not engaging your lats and upper back, you’re missing the point entirely.

Common Mistakes and Myths

Jack Burton’s gotta warn ya – just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it’s right. Plenty of folks doing push-ups with elbows flaring and shoulders screaming in agony. They’re not engaging the right muscles, my friend, and that’s a one-way ticket to Snap City. So take it from Rob and me: get those lats involved, build that foundation, and do it right.

Practical Tips for Better Push-Ups

Alright, let’s break it down, folks. Start with your hands directly under your shoulders in a high plank position. Screw those palms into the floor, feel those lats engage, and keep that body in a straight line. Lower yourself down slowly, elbows tucking slightly, and push back up with intent. Remember, it’s not just about getting it done – it’s about doing it with purpose.

Rob Shoecraft’s Final Words of Wisdom

If there’s one thing ol’ Jack Burton knows, it’s to listen to the experts. Rob Shoecraft’s been in the trenches, knows what works, and he’s sharing it with the world. So the next time you’re down on the floor, ready to crank out those push-ups, remember these tips. They might just save your shoulders and turn you into the push-up king you were meant to be.

So there you have it, folks. Elbow positioning in push-ups – it’s not just about where they point, but what you’re doing with the rest of your body. Take it from Rob and me, and you’ll be doing push-ups like a champ in no time. And remember, if you ever find yourself lost in the fitness world, just ask yourself, “What would Jack Burton do?” Now go out there and show the world what you’re made of.