Push-ups, while seemingly simple, can be challenging for a variety of reasons, both biomechanical and physiological. When you perform a push-up, you’re essentially lifting a significant portion of your body weight using primarily your chest, shoulders, and tricep muscles. The distribution of this weight means that, for many individuals, you might be lifting around 60-70% of your body’s total weight with each repetition. This is notably different from many other bodyweight exercises where the weight distribution or load might be more favorable.
Furthermore, the push-up requires more than just raw strength. Stability is crucial. As you lower and raise your body, several muscle groups, including your core muscles, have to engage to keep your body in a straight line. This demand for stability can make the exercise more taxing, especially for those who might have weaker core muscles or aren’t used to such exercises.
The movement also involves multiple joints – the wrists, elbows, and shoulders – all of which need to move in coordination. If any of these joints are weak or inflexible, the difficulty of the push-up can increase considerably. Also, let’s not forget that everyone’s body is different. Factors like arm length, body weight distribution, and general fitness level can all play a role in how challenging push-ups feel.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that your muscles rely on energy stores, mainly in the form of glycogen, to perform exercises. Push-ups, being a compound exercise, can quickly deplete these stores, leading to fatigue, especially if you’re not conditioned for them.
So, while push-ups might look basic, they’re a complex movement that challenges multiple muscle groups simultaneously. But don’t be discouraged! Like any exercise, with consistent practice and proper technique, they can become more manageable and can be an excellent tool for building upper body and core strength.