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pushup works more shoulder or chest?

kenny_wtf Posts: 195 Joined: 2005/08/08	2009/11/19, 12:21 AM when doing pushups, i feel a lot of strain on my elbow joints and shoulders...but i want to seriously hit the chest. i only feel it in my chest when im like on my 20th rep, by which time my joints and shoulders r pretty tired. so my question is, are pushups overated in terms of working out the chest?
returnofplex Posts: 801 Joined: 2007/10/26	2009/11/19, 01:32 PM Try to focus on squeezing your chest at the top of the movement. Also you could try buying a set of push-up handles, which usually run less than $15 per pair.
kenny_wtf Posts: 195 Joined: 2005/08/08	2009/11/19, 09:06 PM yea even i thought of that squeezing the chest thing, thanks
Davetheman26 Posts: 81 Joined: 2007/07/24	2009/11/20, 09:37 PM I always like doing some bench presses just before I do push-ups. Not using heavy weights on the bench just heavy enough where i can do 20 or more reps. then take about a minute rest then hit those push-ups I feel the pump really quick this way. That's if you have access to a bench. Try different inclines, also elevate your feet. how do you do the push-ups elbows in or out.. I had a friend who could do push-ups forever with his elbows in his sides. And this passes for army standards.