ActiveMike Tyson push-ups: the underrated bodyweight exercise for upper body strength and powerUnlock serious gains with this upgraded push-up variationWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ActiveMike Tyson push-ups: the underrated bodyweight exercise for upper body strength and powerUnlock serious gains with this upgraded push-up variationWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Unlock serious gains with this upgraded push-up variation

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A man performing push-ups

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Let’s be honest, you can’t get a more simple, yet effective, exercise for building upper body strength than the basicpush-up. But, once you become a push-up pro, you’ll probably be looking to add some extra challenge to the movement in one way or another. Enter the Mike Tyson push-up.

The heavyweight boxing champ was renowned for hiscallisthenic, weight-free, training regime back in his heyday, which included the humble push-up. However, whether this is theexacttype of push-up Tyson did isn’t entirely clear, but, it’s been gaining popularity. One guy who’s a big advocate of the move is calisthenics expert, Daniel Vadnal, who recently shared avideo on its benefits.

This exercise is basically a hybrid between a push-up and a child’s pose squat, using a wall as a platform to push off, loading your upper bodyandlower body, making this move a more rounded, full-bodycompound exercise.

Instead of just hitting your chest, shoulders and triceps, like you would with a regular push-up, the backward and forward motion from the child’s pose squat to a press  also fires up your glutes, quads and hamstrings. But why would you do this over a regular push-up?

According to Vandal, it’s the momentum and speed required to perform this  variation that makes it far more challenging. “You’re having to resist more of your bodyweight making Mike Tyson push-ups feel heavier when compared to normal push-ups,” he explains in his video. “This means your chest, shoulders and triceps are working over time to stop yourself falling flat on your face.” Your core will also be on fire too to aid stability throughout the exercise.

Vandal also says they’re great for increasing power, flexibility (particularly in the shoulders and spine), and as a multi-joint movement, are excellent for boosting your cardiovascular fitness. While we can’t guarantee they’ll give you a punch like Tysons, they’ll certainly unlock some serious upper body gains and power.

How to do Mike Tyson push-ups

The Amazing Benefits of Mike Tyson Push-Ups - YouTubeWatch On

The Amazing Benefits of Mike Tyson Push-Ups - YouTube

The Amazing Benefits of Mike Tyson Push-Ups - YouTube

The Amazing Benefits of Mike Tyson Push-Ups - YouTube

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Tip:keep your feet firmly against the wall throughout the entire movement and push through for more power and speed

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