Military style push-up: Who should do it, how and why

'How many push-ups can you do?'
Mention that you work out regularly to someone, and you're sure to get this question. Interestingly, working out in a disciplined manner, even for years, need not mean someone can pull off a push-up with proper form and ease. However, there are many benefits to keep trying to improve your push-up form. It also offers many variations, depending on your fitness goals and strength.

According to the Cleveland Clinic's exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, a 'military style' push-up is something everyone can try, as it's low-risk for injury or overuse. Unlike the standard push-up, in which your arms are wide apart, the military-style push-up keeps your hands directly under your shoulders and has you stick your elbows close to your body, targeting your shoulders and triceps. 

What are its benefits?
1. It works out your shoulders, chest and the triceps muscles of your arms.
2. Its chances of injury are low, as compared to other variations.
3. Being a controlled form, it engages your core and improves its stability.
4. While its risk is low, the variation isn't easy either. It challenges multiple parts of your body simultaneously, strengthening and stabilising them through regular practice. 

How to do a military style push-up?
1. First, hold a high plank position.
2. Your arms should be straight, and your hands should be under your shoulders.
3. Don't let your hips or core sag; engage them.
4. Lower your body slowly to the floor, inhaling. 
5. Make sure your elbows are close to your body. 

6. Once lowered, there should be just about an inch between your chest and the ground
7. Your eyes should be on the floor, and your neck should be neutral.
8. Now, push back up, exhaling. The body should be straight, and the elbows should still stick to the body.
9. Do a comfortable number of reps and sets.