Push-ups are one of the most effective exercises to strengthen your upper body, including the chest, shoulders, triceps, and biceps.

However, push-ups are not just an upper body exercise, as they also work your core muscles, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. When you perform a push-up, your core works to stabilize your body and maintain proper form. In this article, we will look at five push-up variations to help you strengthen your core.

1. Plank Push-up

The plank push-up is a combination of a push-up and a plank. It challenges your core muscles more than a traditional push-up, as you have to engage your abs to hold the plank position while performing the push-up.

How to do it:.

1. Start in a plank position, with your shoulders over your wrists, your body in a straight line, and your feet hip-width apart.
2. Lower your body down into a push-up, keeping your elbows close to your body.
3. Push back up to the starting position.

2. Side Plank Push-up

The side plank push-up targets the obliques, which are the muscles on the sides of your abdomen. It also works your chest and triceps.

How to do it:.

1. Start in a side plank position, with one hand on the floor and your feet stacked on top of each other.
2. Lower your body down into a push-up, keeping your elbow close to your body.
3. Push back up to the starting position.
4. Repeat on the other side.

3. Spiderman Push-up

The Spiderman push-up targets your obliques and hip flexors. It also works your chest, shoulders, and triceps.

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How to do it:.

1. Start in a plank position, with your shoulders over your wrists, your body in a straight line, and your feet hip-width apart.
2. Lower your body down into a push-up, bringing your right knee towards your right elbow.
3. Push back up to the starting position.
4. Repeat on the other side.

4. Single Leg Push-up

The single leg push-up works your core and your glutes. It also challenges your balance and stability.

How to do it:.

1. Start in a push-up position, with your shoulders over your wrists, your body in a straight line, and your feet together.
2. Lift your right leg off the ground and straighten it behind you.
3. Lower your body down into a push-up, keeping your elbows close to your body.
4. Push back up to the starting position.
5. Repeat on the other leg.

5. T Push-up

The T push-up targets your chest, shoulders, and back. It also works your obliques and improves your rotational stability.

How to do it:.

1. Start in a push-up position, with your shoulders over your wrists, your body in a straight line, and your feet together.
2. Lower your body down into a push-up, keeping your elbows close to your body.
3. Push back up to the starting position, and then rotate your body to the left side, lifting your left arm towards the ceiling.
4. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

These five push-up variations are excellent for strengthening your core muscles and improving your overall fitness. Remember to maintain proper form and start with a few repetitions and gradually increase the number of reps as your strength improves.