Push-ups are one of the best exercises known to woman. They require no equipment, are quick to do, and target your upper arms and back beautifully. If you start incorporating push-ups into your regular workouts, you'll definitely notice a change. You'll feel stronger and your muscles will have more definition. There's no reason you have to stick to the basic push-up though. I like throwing variations into the mix, like the Push-Ups with a Partner [1], T Push-Up [2], and Push-Up with Tuck Crunch [3], to work my muscles differently and to avoid injury from repetitive movements.

Check out this variation. One elbow is against your body, and the other arm is in a regular push-up position. This move helps you focus on working one shoulder at a time.

For a detailed description of how to do this push-up .

• Begin in a push-up position, either with your legs straight out (traditional), or with your knees resting on the floor (modified). Your hands are directly under your shoulders.
• From here, step your right hand out a few inches. When you lower down, your left elbow bends straight back, brushing the side of your body, and your right elbow bends out to the side. Yes, you should feel this more in your left shoulder. Then straighten your arms.
• Repeat this one to ten times on this side, then step your right hand back in slightly, and move your left palm out a few inches, and do one to ten more on this side.
• Take a break (I like to rest in Child's Pose [5]), and then do another set. Rest again, then do a third set.