Hindu Pushups which are also referred to as “Jap” push-ups are often mistaken for Dive-bomber Pushups.

They do look very similar and many people have the same issues/problems when doing them, but there are a few subtle yet neat differences that should be pointed out!

If you notice in the Feature Video in the top right of the website, there are 3 yogic postures the Hindu Pushup passes through.
- Downward facing dog
- Low plank or crocodile
- Upward facing dog

Benefits of Hindu Pushups Include:
Increases strength of:
Palms, fingers, back, chest, and neck!
Increases flexibility and mobility of:
Calves and hamstrings, back, and hip flexors

Harness the energy of the Hindu Push-Up with these performance tips!
1) Perfect Form – just like anything else in fitness, quality over quantity. The goal with these are to create a steady rhythm and get into a trance-like state.
2) Activate the lats through the whole movement to keep upper arms in external rotation – Keep your elbows as if you are pointing them at your feet. (very important) This is the most common mistake. You can watch several people doing this exercise and they will have their elbows pointing out. That is not the correct way to do it! Keep them by your ribs!
3) Just like in previous postings, start small and work up! Don’t be a hero!
4) Make them part of your circuit training! Do a circuit of pushing and pulling exercises with this in the mix. It should be a staple!
5) Use Hindu Push-ups as a form of mental release. If you do even 20 a day, it will act as a huge health benefit as well as improve mental clarity!

Feeling Froggy?
Use a push-up board! This will give you a greater range of motion which will help hit more muscle fibers. It is also MUCH easier on your joints and also it gives your shoulders and spine a greater stretch! Using the board will give optimal flexion and alignment for the elbows!

Breathing:
Synchronize your breathing with your movements. As you dive into upward dog,  inhale; exhale through your mouth. The breathing is considered to be backwards which is why it can create such a trance-like meditative state. This part of the push-up is often the most confusing or done incorrectly. The modern style of breathing has us exhaling as we would be straining with the resistance of the weight. Traditionally, Hindu push-ups are done breathing only through the nose.  (inhale while you lengthen, exhale while you curl up) However, exhaling through the mouth is just fine and my personal preference.

Footing:
Traditionally, Hindu push-ups were done feet together, but shoulder width seems to be the most common nowadays. There are also many examples where the feet are extremely wide apart. I find it easier to do it this way until I gradually work my way up to higher difficulty.

Hindu Push-ups have been a staple in combat athletic workouts for thousands of years.  It promotes wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Give it a shot! Remember, keep those elbows in!