“High five” push-ups with a buddy

You want to get started working out in the New Year. There’s no time for the gym, no money for a trainer, and motivation wanes when working out alone. Well, it’s time to begin buddy workouts!

All you need is a buddy whose company you enjoy; if they make you laugh, even better. Pick a time each week to get together and have some fun working out! Don’t know where to start? Well, why not start with push-ups. No not those old boring ones; but the super-fun “high-five” partner ones taught in today’s video!

Partner push-ups

Tema Esberg with Potentia Personal Training begins our partner workout series with kicked-up push-ups. Buddy workouts are great for inspiration, accountability and fun. Of course, you’re still working on building your strength and conditioning. Today, Tema is joined by her buddy, Maya, and they will be doing two versions of super-fun push-ups that have a “high five” in the middle of them.

Push-ups are great for developing shoulders, upper back, triceps and core. Depending on the position of your arms while doing the push-ups, you will either develop more triceps strength or shoulder strength. The wider apart your arms, the more focus is placed on the shoulders and chest.

In today’s video, your arms are held close to their sides, and your hands directly below your shoulders. This will work your triceps more. Also, push-ups will be shown from two positions. Tema will be doing her push-ups form the plank position, which is with a straight body. Maya will be doing them from her knees, with feet up off the floor; which makes them easier.

Ordinary push-ups can be boring, so to make push-ups fun for 2016, and more challenging than last year, you and your buddy will be doing a horizontal “high five” between each one.

The “high-five” adds a bit of a strength challenge because you are transferring your weight onto one arm while clapping hands with your partner; then switching hands and doing it on the opposite side. It makes this more challenging and more fun!

How to do them

You and your buddy will face each other in push-up position.

Lower your body down and then push it back up, as usual.

Now transfer weight onto one arm and “high five” your buddy, then transfer weight to the other arm and “high five” your buddy with the other hand.

Repeat for a total of five times.

Begin with a set of five “high five” push-ups, two-to-three times per week. Increase this, as you are able, to 10 push-ups, three times per week.

These are a great way to enhance the basic push-ups we are all used to and so bored with. Also, what better way to get into shape than having a buddy around to motivate you and push you when needed. These push-ups will provide extra work on your shoulders, core and cardio!