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Basic Muscle-Conditioning Exercises

Wall push-ups

  1. Stand facing a wall, about 12 to 18 inches away.
  2. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height.
  3. Slowly bend your elbows and bring your face toward the wall, moving your hips and shoulders forward together.
  4. Push slowly back to the starting position.
  5. Start with 5 repetitions and work up to 8 to 12.
  6. Rest for a minute and repeat the exercise.

When you can do this exercise against a wall comfortably (without your muscles feeling tired), you can try it against a counter. Start with 5 repetitions again and work up to 8 to 12. You can then slowly progress to the end of a couch or a sturdy chair, and finally to the floor.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science
Last Revised August 4, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 04, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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