Proper Arm Positioning in the Push-Up
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make while executing the push-up is improper arm positioning. Ideal arm positioning should create an “A or Arrow Shape” if you were to draw an imaginary line from the elbows to the head. Clients will often either spread them too wide creating a “T-Shape” or tuck them too tight creating an “I-Shape.” Both of these faulty arm positions are a compensation for poor scapular stability and place potentially dangerous stress on the anterior shoulder and cervical spine.
If you or a client struggle to maintain good arm positioning while executing push-ups reduce the load be elevating the hand placement and performing push-ups on an incline. Practice executing with perfect form under decreased load and gradually progress as you improve shoulder stability.
