How To: Work your upper body with plyometric clap push ups

Learn how to do plyometric clap push ups. Presented by Real Jock Gay Fitness Health & Life.

Benefits
Plyometric push-ups are a great exercise for training power through your upper body. By adding a clap in the air at the top of your push-up, you develop a height goal for the plyometric—and create some hang time in the air.

Starting Position
Take up a plank position on the floor, with your hands directly under your shoulders, your arms extended, and your legs straight and back flat. Be careful throughout this exercise to keep your hips flat—no drooping or piking.

Exercise
1. From the starting position, slowly bend your arms and descend toward the floor. Keep your neck in line with your spine throughout the movement; do not jut your chin out towards the floor at the bottom of the movement. Stop when your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
2. From the bottom of the movement, develop explosive power through your chest and arms as you push hard off the floor, bringing your upper body into the air. As you pop up, engage your core to help lift you. In mid-air, quickly clap your hands together.
3. Again use your center for control as you land in the starting position, making sure not to let your hips dip toward the floor. Follow the downward momentum of landing into your next push-up, focusing throughout on power and control.