Round off a push-up routine with weights

The push-up is always an effective and efficient strength-training move because it works your chest, back and arms. But if you’re looking for a new way to do push-ups, try performing them with a set of dumbbells in your hands. You’ll support your wrists and get a different angle on a traditional exercise. Start off by doing this move on your knees and, as you progress, straighten your legs and perform it on your toes.

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— Karen Voight

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1 Begin with your hands and knees on a padded surface or mat. Place a pair of dumbbells on the mat, in the lengthwise position. Put your hands on the weights and bring your wrists directly below your shoulders. Bend your knees, lift your feet and pull your abdominal muscles in to support your spine.

2 Inhale, bend your arms and slowly lower your torso toward the floor, keeping your elbows pointing back, not out to the side. Stop when your shoulders are at elbow height. Pause for two seconds, exhale and straighten your arms to come back up. Throughout the exercise, keep the tops of your shoulders moving down and away from your ears. Perform 12 to 15 reps and repeat for three sets, resting for 20 seconds between sets.

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