Wall push-up (prenatal)

Pre/postnataleasyrepsno equipment

Standing facing a wall with the hands on it at shoulder height and the body in one slanted line, the elbows bend to bring the chest toward the wall, then press back; an upper-body push with no weight on the belly or the pelvic floor.

How to do it

1. Stand about an arm and a half from a wall, feet hip-width apart, palms against the wall at shoulder height, shoulder-width apart.
2. Keep the body in a straight slanted line from head to heels, belly gently drawn in, and breathe in as you bend the elbows to bring the chest toward the wall.
3. Breathe out as you press back to straight arms; keep the elbows slightly soft at the top and do not hold your breath.
4. Do 8-12 slow reps; step the feet closer to the wall to make it easier.
5. General exercise information, not medical advice: check with your doctor or midwife before exercising in pregnancy. Stop and get advice for pain, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular contractions, dizziness, headache, chest pain, calf pain or swelling, or breathlessness that comes before you start.

Muscles worked

Supporting: chest, triceps, shoulders, abs