http://AskTheTrainer.com Push ups are the classic resistance training exercise with your own body weight. You know that. The biggest mistake people make while performing pushups is to not start with their chest on the floor. If you start with your chest on the floor you will develop the proper range of motion. If you don't lower yourself all the way to the floor at first, it will be very difficult for your to develop functional strength. Keys: 1. Keep spine in neutral alignment, this includes your head. 2. Keep Core Tight, same as spine in neutral alignment but focus on drawing in your belly button. 3. Lower your chest all the way to the floor. 4. Keep your shoulder blades retracted. 5. Do not lock out and snap your arms at the top. If your goal is to build your chest, you can do many more effective exercises for the pecs. If your goal is to build functional strength, you must master the push-up through full range of motion before you can expect to reach your full potential. Always perform weight training exercises within your envelope of function. If it hurts, Don't Do it. If you have protracted shoulder girdle, push-ups are not a good exercise to do, especially if you do them wrong. http://AskTheTrainer.com/posture-problems.html Personal Trainer Michael Behnken, MS, NASM-CPT-PES, CSCS