How to Do Fingertip Pushups

Pushups have bone-building and muscle-strengthening benefits and mainly target the chest and triceps. They're often considered the perfect exercise -- no equipment is needed and they can be done almost anywhere. When performed on your fingertips, pushups can help strengthen your fingers and wrists and improve your grip strength. This can be beneficial in martial arts, wrestling and weightlifting. To prevent injuries and for optimal results, learn how to properly perform fingertip pushups. Get your doctor's approval before engaging in a new exercise routine.

Come down on all fours and position your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.

Spread your fingers apart and lift your palms off the floor so you're balancing on your fingertips. Point your thumbs toward your body and point your remaining fingers away from your body.

Contract your abdominals as if to pull your belly button up toward your spine. Keep your back straight throughout the exercise.

Flex your feet, tuck your toes under and extend your legs behind you.

Tighten your glutes and leg muscles, and look down toward the floor so your body forms a diagonal line. Avoid sagging your hips down toward the floor or pushing them up in the air.

Bend at your elbows and slowly lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Hold this position for two seconds.

Push off on your fingertips to return your body to the starting position. Pause for two seconds before going into the next repetition.

Tips

Inhale as you lower your body, and exhale as you push yourself up.

Perform fingertip pushups on your knees before progressing to fingertip pushups with extended legs.

Perform repetitions and sets according to your fitness level.

If you're new to exercise, consider hiring a personal trainer to teach you proper form.

Perform fingertip pushups in front of a mirror so you can monitor your form.