Want to get in shape but don’t have the time or money to spend on top-dollar exercise equipment or going to the gym? Well, fear not, because it’s not necessary to lift weights or pay money for an expensive personal trainer. Why? Because there are many exercises which focus on toning the body without requiring the use of exercise equipment.

In this article I’m going to lay out a few variations of the well known push-up exercise which can be used to improve your back, shoulder, tricep, and pectoral strength. All of these exercises can be done at home without exercise equipment.

1) Tri-Stop Pushup: Begin in standard pushup position. Bend your arms and lower yourself halfway to the ground and pause for 2 seconds. Continue to the ground and pause halfway up and hold the position for 2 seconds. Continue upwards until your arms are straight and hold for 2 seconds.

2) Underhand Pushup: Begin by assuming standard pushup position, but bring your palms close to your body and lined up with your sternum, or middle of your chest. Your elbows and forearms should be tucked in close to your body. Without allowing your elbows to flare out, push yourself up. Your chest should touch your hands at the bottom of the cycle. Remember to keep your arms aligned properly and close to your body. This pushup is very effective for abdominals, chest, and biceps.

3) Cross-Over Pushup: This pushup is the best for working your pectoralis major because it forces your arms to the center of your body. Assume regular pushup position. Notice where your left hand is on the ground. Now push upwards and to the left explosively so that both your hands leave the ground. Try and land with your right hand in the exact same spot where your left hand was initially. Then cross back over so that your left hand it back in its original spot.

4) Tricep Pushup: This pushup is excellent work for your triceps. Assume regular pushup position but bring your hands together right below your face. Create a diamond shape with your hands by having both index fingers touching and both thumb tips touching. Continue as if doing regular pushups.

5) Elevated Pushups: Assume standard pushup position except obtain an object to rest your feet on, like a chair, bench, flower pot, stack of bricks, etc. Make sure your feet are elevated above your chest, and execute exercise as if doing standard pushups.

These 5 pushup variations can be a vital accessory to an already stimulating workout, or they can be stand-alone workouts, too. As always, make sure you are performing each exercise with proper form- it’s better not to overexert yourself than to hurt your body by performing strenuous exercises improperly.

The article 5 Pushup Variations That Will Get You in Shape was Submitted by Ben Stacy through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Ben Stacy writes health and ftness articles for a number of pblications, and he maintains his on wbsite, Keys to Building Muscle. If you are nterested and would like to learn mre tips and techniques, please visit http://keystobuildingmuscle.blogspot.com