Video: Why you should drop and give yourself 10 pushups By Mayo Clinic Staff Share Facebook Twitter Print details Pushups are one of the top exercises for overall body wellness — no gym required. You'll work your chest, triceps and core, and can even improve your upper body bone density. This kind of body-weight resistance exercise benefits almost everyone. It's important to watch your form. Keep your back straight and your core engaged as you push up. Once you've mastered the move, continue challenging yourself until you can perform 12 pushups with good form. Show transcript Why you should drop and give yourself 10 pushups Knee pushups You'll build stronger triceps, chest and core — anytime, anyplace. Position yourself facedown on the mat, knees bent and arms straight, with your palms flat on the floor directly under your shoulders. Rest your weight on your hands and knees. Engage your core to push up. Bend your elbows and lower your torso to a hover position just above the floor. Use your arms to push yourself back up. Keep your spine neutral and your hands directly under your shoulders. Repeat 8 to 12 times for up to 3 sets. Expert tips from the Wellness Physical Therapists at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. Get more healthy action tips delivered daily when you download the Mayo Clinic App. Show references Benham T. Conditioning beyond strength training. American College of Sports Medicine. http://www.acsm.org/public-information/articles/2016/10/07/conditioning-beyond-strength-training. Accessed March 11, 2017. VID-20307378