<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></title><description><![CDATA[Curated workouts, expert guidance, and practical tips to help you build sustainable fitness and a healthier lifestyle.]]></description><link>https://blog.endomondo.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FT67!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F847f8c91-3b51-4547-9a62-cabe23d0c7c3_1280x1280.png</url><title>Endomondo</title><link>https://blog.endomondo.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:43:32 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://blog.endomondo.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[endomondo@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[endomondo@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[endomondo@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[endomondo@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Shoulder Gains: From Beginner to Pro]]></title><description><![CDATA[Build powerful, defined shoulders with this beginner-to-advanced workout guide. Each move takes you from the basics to pro-level presses and raises. Perfect for building strength and size, whether you]]></description><link>https://blog.endomondo.com/p/shoulder-gains-from-beginner-to-pro</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.endomondo.com/p/shoulder-gains-from-beginner-to-pro</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:45:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-video.s3.amazonaws.com/video_upload/post/174425324/01131cf5-8810-47be-a2b0-f36dc6fde167/transcoded-00001.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://blog.endomondo.com/p/shoulder-gains-from-beginner-to-pro">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dips vs Push-Ups: Which Exercise Should You Do?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Compare dips and push-ups across strength, hypertrophy, endurance, and accessibility to find out which suits your training goals best.]]></description><link>https://blog.endomondo.com/p/dips-vs-push-ups</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.endomondo.com/p/dips-vs-push-ups</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:44:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png" width="1184" height="864" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:864,&quot;width&quot;:1184,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:1359209,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Man performing dips on parallel bars compared to man doing push-ups on the floor, highlighting the differences between dips vs push-ups.&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://blog.endomondo.com/i/174002490?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="Man performing dips on parallel bars compared to man doing push-ups on the floor, highlighting the differences between dips vs push-ups." title="Man performing dips on parallel bars compared to man doing push-ups on the floor, highlighting the differences between dips vs push-ups." srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!03zX!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0ec01847-5c7c-45e2-a3a5-3c8468735220_1184x864.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Dips vs push-ups: two fundamental bodyweight exercises compared for strength, muscle growth, and endurance. Photo: Freepik</figcaption></figure></div><p>Dips and push-ups are often compared because both are classic bodyweight exercises that train the upper body without the need for heavy equipment. Each movement challenges multiple muscle groups, with dips emphasizing the triceps and lower chest while push-ups primarily target the chest, shoulders, and core. This overlap in function, combined with differences in muscle activation and difficulty, makes the <strong>dips vs push-ups</strong> debate a common topic for anyone focused on strength and conditioning.</p><p>Both exercises have long been considered cornerstones of calisthenics. Push-ups are often introduced first because they require no equipment and can be modified easily for beginners. Dips, on the other hand, demand parallel bars or sturdy supports and typically require more strength, making them a progression exercise for those looking to advance beyond standard push-ups. Because of these distinctions, athletes and fitness enthusiasts often weigh the advantages of one over the other when planning their routines.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blog.endomondo.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>This article examines the differences between dips and push-ups across several aspects: which muscles they work, their benefits, how to integrate them into training, and who should prioritize each movement. For <a href="https://www.endomondo.com/exercise/bodyweight-chest-exercises-for-beginners">beginners exploring bodyweight chest exercises</a>, understanding these comparisons helps create a structured progression. For more experienced lifters, the choice between dips and push-ups may depend on training goals such as hypertrophy, endurance, or functional strength. By the end, you will know exactly when to use each exercise and how both can contribute to a balanced upper body program.</p><h2>Muscles Worked In Dips Vs Push-Ups</h2><p>Both dips and push-ups are compound bodyweight exercises that target multiple upper body muscles, but each emphasizes different regions. The overlap lies mainly in the chest, shoulders, and triceps, while the distinction comes from the angle and range of motion.</p><p>Push-ups focus more on the <strong>upper and middle chest</strong>, with strong activation of the anterior deltoids and triceps. The horizontal pressing angle also engages the core and serratus anterior as stabilizers, making push-ups a full-body movement.</p><p>Dips, in contrast, emphasize the <strong>lower chest and triceps</strong>, with greater load due to the vertical pressing path. They require strong shoulder stability, particularly in the rotator cuff and scapular muscles, and engage the forearms as supporting stabilizers. This deeper range of motion makes dips more demanding on the joints but also highly effective for strength and hypertrophy.</p><h3>Muscles Worked In Push-Ups</h3><ul><li><p>Pectoralis major (upper and middle fibers)</p></li><li><p>Anterior deltoids</p></li><li><p>Triceps brachii</p></li><li><p>Core (rectus abdominis, obliques)</p></li><li><p>Serratus anterior</p></li></ul><h3>Muscles Worked In Dips</h3><ul><li><p>Pectoralis major (lower fibers)</p></li><li><p>Triceps brachii</p></li><li><p>Anterior deltoids</p></li><li><p>Rhomboids and trapezius (stabilizers)</p></li><li><p>Forearms and grip muscles</p></li></ul><h2>Pros &amp; Cons of Dips</h2><h3>Pros</h3><p>Dips are highly effective for building strength in the lower chest and triceps. They allow progressive overload by adding weights with a dip belt or weighted vest, which supports long-term strength and muscle growth.</p><p>This exercise also improves vertical pressing power, enhancing performance in movements such as handstand push-ups. For athletes focused on advanced calisthenics or gymnastic strength, dips transfer well and remain a foundation exercise.</p><p>They are often listed among the <a href="https://www.endomondo.com/exercise/best-chest-exercises">best chest exercises</a> for progression. To explore further, the <a href="https://www.endomondo.com/training/benefits-of-doing-dips">benefits of doing dips</a> show why this movement is consistently favored in strength programs.</p><h3>Cons</h3><p>Dips place considerable stress on the shoulder joints, especially if performed with poor form or without mobility preparation.</p><p>They are better suited for intermediate to advanced lifters who already have a strong base of strength. Another drawback is the limited number of variations compared to push-ups, which makes them less versatile for bodyweight-only training.</p><h2>Pros &amp; Cons of Push-Ups</h2><h3>Pros</h3><p>Push-ups are one of the best beginner-friendly exercises, as they can be performed anywhere without equipment. They work the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core at the same time, providing a balanced strength foundation.</p><p>The movement offers countless variations, from incline and decline push-ups to explosive plyometric forms, ensuring progression as strength improves. Many athletes highlight the <a href="https://www.endomondo.com/training/benefits-of-push-up">benefits of push-ups</a> not just for beginners but also for conditioning and endurance.</p><p>For this reason, push-ups remain a staple among the <a href="https://www.endomondo.com/exercise/best-bodyweight-chest-exercises">best bodyweight chest exercises</a>, suitable for every fitness level.</p><h3>Cons</h3><p>Push-ups become harder to overload once body weight is no longer a challenge.</p><p>Advanced lifters often find progress slower compared to weighted movements such as dips or bench presses. Since resistance is mostly limited to body weight, achieving significant hypertrophy requires weighted vests or advanced variations.</p><h2>Dips vs Push-Ups: Key Differences</h2><p>While both dips and push-ups strengthen the chest, triceps, and shoulders, the way they load these muscles is different. Push-ups are horizontal pressing exercises, while dips are vertical, which changes muscle emphasis, range of motion, and difficulty. Understanding these contrasts helps decide when to prioritize one over the other in training.</p><h3>Body Angle and Chest Activation</h3><p>The pressing angle is one of the main differences between dips and push-ups. Dips follow a vertical pressing path, which shifts more emphasis to the lower portion of the pectoralis major. This makes them especially effective for athletes aiming to thicken the lower chest and <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323256928_Functions_of_the_Triceps_Brachii_in_Humans_A_Review">triceps</a>.</p><p>Push-ups, on the other hand, work along a horizontal pressing path. This activates the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/6212039">entire chest</a>, with a stronger contribution from the upper chest fibers. Because of this, push-ups provide a more balanced chest workout, especially when combined with variations such as incline or decline push-ups.</p><h3>Range of Motion and Stretch</h3><p>Dips allow a much deeper stretch at the bottom of the movement, as the shoulders extend beyond the torso. This increased range of motion can enhance muscle activation in the chest and triceps, but it also places more stress on the shoulder joints.</p><p>Push-ups are limited by the floor, which restricts range of motion unless done with handles or elevation. Still, they provide consistent activation across the chest and triceps. Some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6977096/">studies suggest</a> that performing different ranges of motion may have additive effects on muscle growth, which supports including both exercises for variety and balanced development.</p><h3>Load and Intensity</h3><p>Dips are more demanding because they require lifting nearly 100% of body weight. The upright position means the triceps and chest handle a heavier direct load. For added challenge, lifters often use a dip belt or weighted vest, making dips scalable for advanced strength goals.</p><p>Push-ups, by comparison, load the muscles with about 60% of body weight in the standard form. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6303131/">Intensity</a> can be modified through progressions such as one-arm push-ups, decline push-ups, or by adding external resistance. This makes push-ups highly adaptable, though they rarely match the raw intensity of weighted dips.</p><h3>Skill Level and Accessibility</h3><p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275023773_The_Push_-up">Push-ups</a> are more beginner-friendly since they require no equipment and can be performed in almost any setting. They also scale well for early progressions, making them a first choice for people new to bodyweight training.</p><p>Dips, however, are generally more suitable for intermediate or advanced athletes. They require access to parallel bars or stable supports, and the movement demands significant baseline strength. While highly effective, dips carry a steeper learning curve, especially for individuals with limited shoulder mobility.</p><h2>Which Builds More Strength and Muscle?</h2><p>When comparing dips vs push-ups for building strength, dips generally come out ahead. The vertical pressing path requires lifting nearly your full body weight, which places a heavier load on the chest and triceps. This makes dips more comparable to weighted gym exercises like the bench press, especially when additional resistance is added. For athletes focused on maximal strength, dips provide a clear advantage.</p><p>In terms of muscle growth, both exercises can be equally effective when programmed with progression. Dips stimulate the lower chest and triceps with deep range of motion and heavy loading, supporting hypertrophy in those regions. Push-ups, however, target a broader portion of the chest and also recruit stabilizers such as the serratus anterior and core. When modified with variations like weighted push-ups, incline push-ups, or plyometric push-ups, they can rival dips for muscle development. The key factor is progressive overload, regardless of exercise choice.</p><p>For muscular endurance, push-ups hold the edge. Because the load is lighter compared to dips, push-ups allow higher repetition sets, which improves stamina and conditioning. They are widely used in military and fitness assessments to measure upper body endurance, highlighting their value for performance beyond strength alone.</p><p>Overall, dips are better for raw strength, push-ups excel at endurance, and both can drive hypertrophy when structured progressively. For balanced upper body development, including both exercises ensures strength across different pressing angles, muscle activation patterns, and energy demands.</p><h2>Dips vs Push-Ups for Specific Goals</h2><h3>For Chest Development</h3><p>Both dips and push-ups contribute to chest growth, but they emphasize different regions of the pectorals. Dips target the lower fibers of the chest more effectively because of the vertical pressing path and deeper stretch. This makes them valuable for lifters aiming to thicken the lower chest.</p><p>Push-ups, by contrast, emphasize the upper and middle chest. The horizontal pressing angle distributes tension more evenly across the pecs, especially when paired with variations such as incline or decline push-ups. For complete chest development, combining both movements covers more muscle fibers and provides balanced growth.</p><h3>For Triceps Growth</h3><p>The triceps play a significant role in both exercises, but dips generally load them harder. Because dips require lifting nearly your entire body weight, the triceps must generate greater force through elbow extension. This makes dips an excellent choice for increasing triceps size and pressing strength.</p><p>Push-ups still engage the triceps effectively, particularly in narrower hand placements. However, the load is lighter, and progression depends more on increasing reps or adding external weight. For lifters aiming for maximum triceps hypertrophy, dips provide greater overload, while push-ups serve well for volume and endurance work.</p><h3>For Shoulders and Stability</h3><p>Both movements recruit the shoulders, but in different ways. Dips involve significant anterior deltoid activation and demand strong shoulder stability, especially at the bottom position. This makes them effective for overall shoulder strength but also raises the risk of strain if performed with poor form or limited mobility.</p><p>Push-ups are generally safer on the shoulders since the range of motion is more controlled and supported by the floor. They also strengthen stabilizers like the serratus anterior, which plays a role in healthy shoulder mechanics. For injury prevention and stability training, push-ups offer a lower-risk option compared to dips.</p><h3>For Beginners vs Advanced Lifters</h3><p>Push-ups are more suitable for beginners because they require no equipment and can be adjusted easily to match strength levels. Variations such as knee push-ups or incline push-ups make the exercise accessible to those with limited upper body strength.</p><p>Dips, on the other hand, are better suited for intermediate to advanced lifters. They require a baseline of pressing strength and access to parallel bars, along with greater joint stability. Because dips allow progressive overload through added weight, they become a preferred choice for long-term strength and muscle progression.</p><h2>How to Perform Each With Perfect Form</h2><h3>Dips Step-by-Step</h3><div id="vimeo-1012637065" class="vimeo-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;1012637065&quot;,&quot;videoKey&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true}" data-component-name="VimeoToDOM"><div class="vimeo-inner"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1012637065?autoplay=0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" loading="lazy"></iframe></div></div><ol><li><p>Stand between a set of parallel dip bars. Hold them with an overhand grip in line with your torso.</p></li><li><p>Raise yourself up so your arms are locked and your body is supported. A box or a suitable raised surface can also used to help. Bend your knees and cross your feet over each other.</p></li><li><p>Slide your body forward so your chest is in front of your shoulders.</p></li><li><p>Tilt your body forward so that it is at about a 30-degree angle to the floor.</p></li><li><p>Take a deep breath in and engage your core. Bend at the elbows to lower your body toward the floor. Lower yourself until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.</p></li><li><p>Pause at the bottom position. Push back to the start position while taking a breath out.</p></li><li><p>Pause momentarily in the top position and then move into the next rep.</p></li></ol><h4>Form Tips:</h4><ul><li><p>Keep your shoulder blades pulled back. This will prevent rounding your shoulders which will take the emphasis off your chest in the bottom position.</p></li><li><p>Do not push up to a vertical torso position. Maintain the angled torso position throughout the entire movement.</p></li><li><p>Rather than pushing down with your hands as you come up, push your elbows in while squeezing your biceps. This will increase chest activation by providing adduction, moving the chest fibers toward the body's midline.</p></li><li><p>During the momentary pause in the top position, squeeze the handles inward. This creates isometric chest adduction, meaning your chest muscles contract without moving.</p></li></ul><h3>Push-Ups Step-by-Step</h3><div id="vimeo-1012634313" class="vimeo-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;1012634313&quot;,&quot;videoKey&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true}" data-component-name="VimeoToDOM"><div class="vimeo-inner"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1012634313?autoplay=0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" loading="lazy"></iframe></div></div><ol><li><p>Place your hands shoulder-width apart, legs straight, and feet together.</p></li><li><p>Inhale and engage your core. Keep a neutral back position while not letting your hips sag.</p></li><li><p>Your hands should be directly under your shoulders, elbows pointing back and fingers forward.</p></li><li><p>Inhale and engage your core. Exhale and bend your elbows to bring your body towards the floor as low as you can. Don&#8217;t let your chest touch the floor.</p></li><li><p>Keep a straight line from head to heels, with your head in a neutral position. Pause briefly at the bottom position.</p></li><li><p>Inhale and straighten your arms to return to the starting position.</p></li><li><p>Perform the number of repetitions as per the table below based on your goal.</p></li></ol><h4>Form Tips:</h4><ul><li><p>Ensure your hands are shoulder-width apart with your palms facing slightly outwards. They should be directly underneath your shoulders for the starting position.</p></li><li><p>Make sure you use a full range of motion for each repetition. Your chest should come close to the floor before your arms extend back to the starting position.</p></li><li><p>As you reach the bottom position, pause briefly before coming back up.</p></li><li><p>Use a controlled movement for both phases. Avoid using momentum for each of the repetitions.</p></li><li><p>Take a breath in and engage your core before performing a repetition. Breathe out as you push yourself out of the bottom position.</p></li></ul><h2>Variations and Progressions</h2><h3>Dip Variations</h3><p>Dips can be adapted to different skill levels and goals, from beginner-friendly setups to advanced strength challenges. Each variation changes load, stability, or range of motion.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Bench Dips: </strong>Done with hands on a bench and feet on the floor or another bench, this variation reduces load and makes dips more accessible for beginners. They target the triceps strongly but place more stress on the shoulders, so proper form is essential.</p></li><li><p><strong>Assisted Dips: </strong>Performed using resistance bands or assisted dip machines, these help reduce body weight load. They allow beginners to practice the dip movement safely while building the strength needed for unassisted dips.</p></li><li><p><strong>Weighted Dips</strong><br>By adding resistance with a dip belt, dumbbell, or weighted vest, this variation increases intensity for advanced lifters. It is one of the best progressions for building pressing strength and triceps hypertrophy.</p></li><li><p><strong>Ring Dips</strong><br>Done on gymnastic rings, this variation adds instability, requiring more activation from stabilizer muscles. Ring dips are significantly harder than bar dips and are often used in calisthenics and gymnastics training.</p></li></ul><h3>Push-Up Variations</h3><p>Push-ups offer a wide range of progressions that make them suitable for all fitness levels. Each variation shifts emphasis or increases difficulty.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Incline and Decline Push-Ups: </strong>Incline push-ups reduce load, making them beginner-friendly, while decline push-ups increase difficulty by shifting more weight to the upper chest and shoulders.</p></li><li><p><strong>Diamond Push-Ups: </strong>With hands close together under the chest, this variation heavily targets the triceps and inner chest. It is harder than standard push-ups and improves arm pressing strength.</p></li><li><p><strong>Clapping Push-Ups: </strong>An explosive plyometric variation that builds power and fast-twitch muscle activation. It also improves athletic performance and pressing speed.</p></li><li><p><strong>Deficit Push-Ups: </strong>Performed on handles or elevated surfaces, this variation increases range of motion. The deeper stretch enhances chest and triceps activation beyond standard push-ups.</p></li><li><p><strong>One-Arm Push-Ups: </strong>An advanced progression requiring significant strength and stability. It challenges the chest, triceps, core, and balance at a high level.</p></li><li><p><strong>Handstand Push-Ups: </strong>This vertical pressing movement targets the shoulders and triceps intensely. It bridges the gap between bodyweight training and gymnastic strength skills.</p></li></ul><h2>Programming Dips and Push-Ups Into Your Routine</h2><p>Dips and push-ups complement each other well when included in the same program. Push-ups emphasize horizontal pressing, while dips load the muscles through vertical pressing, giving you balanced chest, triceps, and shoulder development. Beginners should build a foundation with push-ups before adding dips, while intermediate and advanced lifters can combine both for strength, hypertrophy, and endurance.</p><p>Here are general programming guidelines based on ability level:</p><p><strong>Push-Ups</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Beginner lifters</strong> &#8212; 2&#8211;5 sets &#215; 10 repetitions</p></li><li><p><strong>Intermediate lifters</strong> &#8212; 2&#8211;5 sets &#215; 10&#8211;15 repetitions</p></li><li><p><strong>Advanced lifters</strong> &#8212; 2&#8211;5 sets &#215; 10&#8211;20 repetitions</p></li></ul><p><strong>Dips</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Beginner lifters</strong> &#8212; 2&#8211;3 sets &#215; 5&#8211;10 repetitions</p></li><li><p><strong>Intermediate lifters</strong> &#8212; 3&#8211;5 sets &#215; 10&#8211;12 repetitions</p></li><li><p><strong>Advanced lifters</strong> &#8212; 3&#8211;5 sets &#215; 10&#8211;20 repetitions</p></li></ul><p>A balanced approach is to program push-ups and dips on the same day with different rep schemes or alternate them across sessions. Push-ups provide higher training volume and endurance benefits, while dips develop heavier pressing strength. Together, they cover a full spectrum of upper body training needs.</p><h2>Dips vs Push-Ups: Which One Should You Choose?</h2><p>The decision between dips and push-ups comes down to your goals, accessibility, and recovery needs. For those aiming to build <strong>strength</strong>, dips are more effective since they involve lifting nearly your entire body weight and can be progressively overloaded with added resistance. If your focus is <strong>muscle growth</strong>, both exercises can deliver results when progressed properly, making a combination of dips and push-ups the most balanced approach. For <strong>endurance</strong>, push-ups are the clear winner, as they allow higher training volume with less strain on the joints.</p><p>Convenience also plays a role. Push-ups can be done anywhere with no equipment, making them the most accessible option for beginners and those training at home. Dips, however, require parallel bars or sturdy supports, which makes them better suited for gym environments or dedicated calisthenics setups.</p><p>Injury prevention and recovery should not be overlooked. Push-ups are generally shoulder-friendly and adaptable for all levels, while dips place greater stress on the joints and are better for lifters with established strength and mobility.</p><p>Ultimately, you don&#8217;t have to choose one exclusively. Incorporating both into your routine provides well-rounded development&#8212;dips for heavy pressing strength and lower chest growth, push-ups for volume, endurance, and convenience.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blog.endomondo.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Many Push-Ups Is Considered Strong? Here’s What You Should Aim For]]></title><description><![CDATA[Find out the push-up standards for different age groups and practical ways to increase your performance.]]></description><link>https://blog.endomondo.com/p/how-many-push-ups-should-i-be-able-to-do</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.endomondo.com/p/how-many-push-ups-should-i-be-able-to-do</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:38:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png" width="1456" height="814" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/c6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:814,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:2127072,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;A man doing push-ups outdoors on a grassy surface near the ocean, demonstrating upper body strength and fitness&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://blog.endomondo.com/i/173831275?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="A man doing push-ups outdoors on a grassy surface near the ocean, demonstrating upper body strength and fitness" title="A man doing push-ups outdoors on a grassy surface near the ocean, demonstrating upper body strength and fitness" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BN6P!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc6eae6cd-38a7-4371-825b-e20f6327cd72_1456x814.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Push-ups are a simple yet powerful exercise to build strength at any age. Photo: Freepik</figcaption></figure></div><p>Push-ups are a staple exercise, valued for their simplicity and effectiveness. But how many should you be able to do? It&#8217;s a common question, and the answer varies based on your fitness level, age, and goals. For beginners, completing just a few push-ups is an achievement, while more advanced athletes may aim for higher numbers.</p><p>But what about the other side of the equation&#8212;<a href="https://www.endomondo.com/training/how-many-pushups-is-too-many">how many push-ups are too many?</a> While pushing your limits is beneficial, excessive reps can lead to overtraining and injury. Finding the right balance is essential.</p><p>In this guide, we&#8217;ll break down how to assess your push-up ability and improve safely over time. No matter where you're starting, push-ups are a powerful tool for building strength and endurance. Let&#8217;s dive into the details and find the right push-up target for you.</p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://blog.endomondo.com/p/how-many-push-ups-should-i-be-able-to-do">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Do A Burpee: Correct Form, Tips & Variations]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learn why burpees challenge every muscle, how to master proper form, and the variations that keep this exercise effective and exciting.]]></description><link>https://blog.endomondo.com/p/how-to-do-a-burpee</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.endomondo.com/p/how-to-do-a-burpee</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:59:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg" width="728" height="407" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:407,&quot;width&quot;:728,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:33296,&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Man performing a burpee push-up in a gym setting&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://endomondo.substack.com/i/172927366?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="Man performing a burpee push-up in a gym setting" title="Man performing a burpee push-up in a gym setting" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nGGj!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0c3709a8-ed32-47eb-b906-fc7c27276e49_728x407.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Burpees combine strength and cardio in one movement, making them one of the most effective full-body exercises you can master. Photo: Freepik</figcaption></figure></div><p>Burpees have a reputation for being one of the toughest bodyweight exercises, and for good reason. This single movement combines strength, cardio, and endurance, pushing your body to work at full capacity without any equipment. Whether you are training at home, in the gym, or outdoors, the burpee delivers a complete workout in just a few powerful reps.</p><p>What makes the burpee so valuable is its efficiency. In one fluid sequence, you squat, plank, push up, and jump, engaging multiple muscle groups while driving your heart rate sky-high. This combination builds strength, burns calories, and improves overall conditioning, making burpees a favorite among athletes, fitness coaches, and anyone serious about results.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blog.endomondo.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://blog.endomondo.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>For beginners, learning <strong>how to do a burpee</strong> with proper form is the key to unlocking its benefits. Done correctly, it strengthens your core, improves coordination, and helps accelerate fat loss. This <strong>burpee guide</strong> will walk you through the steps, highlight the benefits, and share tips to avoid common mistakes so you can add this powerhouse exercise to your training routine with confidence.</p><h3>What Muscles Does A Burpee Work?</h3><p>Burpees are one of the most effective <strong>full-body exercises</strong>, which is why they are often used in both strength and conditioning programs. This single movement blends multiple exercises into one sequence, allowing you to train several muscle groups at once while also improving cardiovascular fitness.</p><p><strong>Primary muscles worked by burpees include:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Quadriceps</strong>: These large muscles in the front of the thighs drive the squat and jumping phases.</p></li><li><p><strong>Hamstrings</strong>: Located at the back of the thighs, they help control the descent into the squat and assist in the jump.</p></li><li><p><strong>Glutes</strong>: Activated during both the squat and the explosive jump, they provide power and stability.</p></li><li><p><strong>Chest (Pectorals)</strong>: Engaged during the push-up phase, helping to press the body away from the floor.</p></li><li><p><strong>Shoulders (Deltoids)</strong>: Support the push-up and stabilize the arms during the jump overhead.</p></li><li><p><strong>Triceps</strong>: Work alongside the chest and shoulders in the push-up motion.</p></li><li><p><strong>Core (Abdominals and Obliques)</strong>: Keep the body stable through the plank, push-up, and jump, preventing excessive sway or arching in the lower back.</p></li><li><p><strong>Calves</strong>: Engage during the jump to help push the body off the ground and absorb the landing.</p></li></ul><p>Because burpees engage so many muscles in one continuous sequence, they are not only effective for strength building but also for calorie burning and fat loss. Each repetition requires your body to work as a unit, forcing your muscles and cardiovascular system to perform at a high intensity. This is what makes burpees both challenging and rewarding since they deliver more results in less time than many other bodyweight movements.</p><h3>How to Do A Burpee (Step-by-Step Guide)</h3><p>Mastering the burpee requires attention to form so you get the benefits without risking injury. Follow these steps for proper execution.</p><div id="vimeo-1012634839" class="vimeo-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;1012634839&quot;,&quot;videoKey&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true}" data-component-name="VimeoToDOM"><div class="vimeo-inner"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1012634839?autoplay=0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" loading="lazy"></iframe></div></div><ol><li><p><strong>Start standing</strong> with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides.</p></li><li><p><strong>Hinge at the hips and squat down</strong>, lowering your body toward the floor.</p></li><li><p><strong>Place your hands flat on the ground</strong> directly under your shoulders.</p></li><li><p><strong>Jump both legs back</strong> into a plank position, keeping your body straight.</p></li><li><p><strong>Bend your elbows</strong> and lower your chest toward the floor.</p></li><li><p><strong>Lower until your elbows form a 90-degree angle.</strong></p></li><li><p><strong>Push through your hands</strong> to return to the plank position.</p></li><li><p><strong>Jump your feet forward</strong> toward your hands, landing in a crouch.</p></li><li><p><strong>Explode upward into a jump</strong>, reaching your arms overhead.</p></li><li><p><strong>Return to standing</strong> and reset for the next repetition.</p></li></ol><h3>Form Tips:</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Keep your core engaged</strong> to prevent your hips from sagging during the plank or push-up, which reduces strain on the lower back.</p></li><li><p><strong>Do not lock your elbows</strong> at the top of the push-up or when landing, as this places unnecessary stress on the joints.</p></li><li><p><strong>Land softly with bent knees</strong> instead of flat-footed to absorb impact and protect your ankles and knees.</p></li><li><p><strong>Control each movement</strong> instead of rushing with momentum. Performing the exercise smoothly ensures proper muscle activation and lowers injury risk.</p></li></ul><h3>How To Modify The Burpee</h3><p>If you are a beginner or recovering from injury, the standard burpee may feel too intense. The good news is that there are several ways to adjust each phase of the movement so you can build strength and confidence before progressing to the full version.</p><h4>Modify the Push-Up (Steps 5&#8211;7)</h4><p>There are two ways to modify your push-up. The first is to <strong>skip the push-up entirely and hold the plank for a breath</strong> before jumping the feet forward. The second is to <strong>do the push-up on your knees</strong>, which reduces the load on the upper body. However, if you choose this option, make sure to finish in a full plank with your knees lifted before moving to the next step. This prevents you from trying to jump forward from your knees.</p><h4>Modify the Squat Jump (Steps 8&#8211;9)</h4><p>Knees ache with frequent squat jumps? Then try one of these two modifications. First, instead of performing the jump, <strong>stand tall between reps</strong> before going back into your squat. Second, from the squat position, <strong>lift your heels and raise your arms overhead</strong> before returning to the squat for your next repetition. Both options reduce joint impact while keeping the exercise challenging.</p><h4>Modify the Squat Thrust (Steps 3&#8211;4, 8)</h4><p>If placing your hands on the floor feels uncomfortable or you notice aches after performing the thrust, try <strong>walking out to a plank instead of jumping</strong>. From your starting squat, step one foot back at a time until you are in a plank position. After the push-up, <strong>walk your feet forward</strong> to your hands instead of jumping them in. This slower version reduces stress on the joints while maintaining core engagement.</p><h3>Advanced Burpee Variations</h3><p>Once you have mastered the standard burpee, these variations add intensity, coordination, or resistance to keep challenging your body.</p><h4>Burpee to Jump Lunge</h4><ul><li><p>After completing a burpee, jump into a lunge position.</p></li><li><p>Return to a squat and flow into the next burpee.</p></li><li><p>Alternate legs with each repetition.</p></li></ul><h4>Burpee Switch</h4><ul><li><p>Use the jump squat at the end of each burpee to rotate 180 degrees.</p></li><li><p>Land facing the opposite direction before starting the next rep.</p></li></ul><h4>Hand Release Burpee</h4><ul><li><p>At the bottom of the push-up, lift your hands briefly off the ground.</p></li><li><p>Keep your core and thighs engaged before pressing back up.</p></li></ul><h4>Lateral Jump Burpee</h4><ul><li><p>Replace the vertical jump with a lateral jump to the side.</p></li><li><p>For added challenge, place a dumbbell on the ground and jump over it between reps.</p></li></ul><h4>Single-Leg Burpee</h4><ul><li><p>Perform the burpee while keeping one leg lifted throughout the movement.</p></li><li><p>Complete all reps on one side, then switch to the other leg.</p></li></ul><h4>Tuck Jump Burpee</h4><ul><li><p>Add a tuck jump instead of the standard squat jump at the end.</p></li><li><p>Drive both knees toward the chest before landing softly in a squat.</p></li></ul><h4>Weighted Burpee</h4><ul><li><p>Hold a dumbbell in each hand throughout the burpee.</p></li><li><p>Use the dumbbells for support during the plank and push-up phases.</p></li><li><p>Return to standing with the weights to finish the rep.</p></li></ul><h3>Benefits Of Burpees</h3><p>Burpees are often called one of the toughest bodyweight exercises, but their rewards match the challenge. This single movement combines strength, endurance, and coordination, offering benefits that go beyond most traditional exercises.</p><h4>Build Muscle &amp; Strength</h4><p>Burpees activate nearly every major muscle group, from the <strong>quads, hamstrings, and glutes</strong> in the squat and jump to the <strong>chest, shoulders, and triceps</strong> in the push-up. The <strong>core muscles</strong> also work continuously to stabilize the body during each phase. This combination makes burpees a powerful tool for building both muscular strength and endurance without any equipment.</p><h4>Enhance Athletic Performance</h4><p>The explosive nature of burpees improves <strong>power, agility, and cardiovascular conditioning</strong>, all of which carry over to sports and everyday activities. The squat jump boosts vertical power, the plank phase trains stability, and the push-up strengthens pressing ability. Together, these qualities support better performance whether you are running, lifting, or playing field sports.</p><h4>Convenient &amp; Versatile</h4><p>Burpees require <strong>no equipment</strong> and very little space, making them accessible anywhere. They can be performed as part of a warm-up, added into a high-intensity interval training session, or used as a conditioning finisher at the end of a workout. With multiple variations available, you can scale the exercise up or down to match your fitness level.</p><h4>Support Health &amp; Mobility</h4><p>Because burpees combine squatting, pushing, planking, and jumping, they challenge the body through multiple planes of motion. This promotes <strong>joint mobility, balance, and coordination</strong>. The elevated heart rate also improves cardiovascular health while supporting fat loss goals. Over time, consistently practicing burpees contributes to better overall conditioning and functional movement.</p><h3>Burpees Programming Tips</h3><p>Burpees are naturally suited for <strong>interval training and HIIT</strong> because they elevate the heart rate quickly and engage multiple muscle groups at once. A simple way to integrate them is by alternating periods of maximum effort with short rest intervals. For example, perform burpees for <strong>30 seconds</strong>, rest for <strong>30 seconds</strong>, and repeat for several rounds. This structure boosts endurance, burns calories, and keeps workouts time-efficient.</p><p>Another approach is to add burpees into a <strong>circuit workout</strong> with other bodyweight or resistance exercises. For instance, combine them with squats, push-ups, and planks to create a balanced routine. You can also use burpees as a <strong>finisher</strong> at the end of a strength session to challenge your conditioning when muscles are already fatigued.</p><p>When programming, start with manageable volumes such as <strong>3&#8211;4 sets of 8&#8211;12 reps</strong> and build up as your conditioning improves. Focus on maintaining good form throughout, even as intensity rises. For variety, alternate between standard burpees and easier or advanced variations depending on your training phase. By adjusting pace, rest, and variations, burpees can remain a flexible tool in your training for fat loss, endurance, and athletic performance.</p><h3>In Conclusion</h3><p>The burpee is a <strong>versatile bodyweight exercise</strong> that challenges strength, endurance, and coordination all at once. By combining squats, push-ups, planks, and jumps, it engages multiple muscle groups and elevates the heart rate, making it one of the most effective full-body movements for fitness and fat loss. Beyond muscle and calorie burn, burpees also improve athletic performance, cardiovascular health, and mobility. To maximize these benefits, always focus on <strong>proper form and controlled execution</strong>. Whether used in HIIT, circuits, or as a workout finisher, burpees deliver powerful results when performed consistently and correctly.</p><h3>Frequently Asked Questions</h3><p><strong>Q: What is the correct way to do a burpee?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong> Start standing, drop into a squat with hands on the floor, kick your feet back into a plank, perform a push-up, jump your feet forward, then explode upward into a jump before returning to standing.</p><p><strong>Q: Why do I struggle to do burpees?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong> Burpees are challenging because they target your <strong>entire body</strong> &#8212; upper, lower, and core &#8212; while demanding speed and coordination. Use the modifications above to make them easier, then progress gradually to standard and advanced variations.</p><p><strong>Q: How should I breathe during a burpee?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong> Inhale as you lower into the squat and push-up. Exhale forcefully as you jump your feet forward and explode into the jump. Maintaining steady breathing helps control fatigue.</p><p><strong>Q: How many sets and reps of burpees should I do?</strong><br><strong>A:</strong> Beginners can start with <strong>3&#8211;4 sets of 8&#8211;10 reps</strong> at a controlled pace. For conditioning or HIIT, perform burpees for <strong>20&#8211;30 seconds of work followed by equal rest</strong>, repeated for 4&#8211;6 rounds.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 Best Exercises To Lose Belly Fat]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover why spot reduction is a myth and the proven exercises and habits that make belly fat loss sustainable.]]></description><link>https://blog.endomondo.com/p/10-best-exercises-to-lose-belly-fat</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.endomondo.com/p/10-best-exercises-to-lose-belly-fat</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Endomondo]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:19:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5xHD!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F81b172ab-2cbd-4d18-8362-393d8c6dba10_728x500.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You cannot <strong>spot reduce</strong> belly fat with a single exercise. <strong>Reducing belly fat requires overall fat loss through a combination of exercise and nutrition.</strong> Carrying excess abdominal fat raises health risks such as high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.</p><p>The most effective approach is creating a <strong>calorie deficit</strong>, where you burn more calories than you consume. This strategy, combined with regular workouts and a balanced diet, supports fat loss across the body and helps you build a stronger core.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://blog.endomondo.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://blog.endomondo.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><p>That said, there are certain <strong>exercises that can expedite the process</strong>. These movements not only increase calorie burn but also strengthen your core, which improves posture, balance, and overall fitness. When paired with lifestyle changes, they make your fat loss journey more efficient and sustainable.</p>
      <p>
          <a href="https://blog.endomondo.com/p/10-best-exercises-to-lose-belly-fat">
              Read more
          </a>
      </p>
   ]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>