Bodytalk
Question: What are some ways to do push-ups other than the ones I learned in high school? Fans of the push-up
have many styles to
choose fromAnswer: The decline push-up is a safe and effective variation on the standard form. More of your weight is resting on your arms, so it's harder to do and requires more muscular strength.
Here is how it's done. Place both feet on a bench or chair. Hands are shoulder width apart on the floor, or holding push- up bars.
Keep your legs straight as you inhale and lower your chest toward the floor. Then exhale and push back up until your arms are straight.
Repeat as many times as you can.
To target more triceps and shoulder muscle, use a narrower grip.
To focus more on the outer chest and back areas, use a wider grip.
For any form of push-ups I recommend using push-up bars, available for approximately $10 in sporting goods stores. These bars help reduce wear and tear on the wrists by preventing wrist hyperextension.
Q: Does olive oil contain less fat and fewer calories than butter?
A: Olive oil is pure fat (120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon) and butter is fat with some milk solids (100 calories and 11 grams of fat per tablespoon).
The difference is that seven of butter's 11 grams of fat are saturated, and butter contains cholesterol. Both are risk factors in coronary artery disease (CAD).
Olive oil contains no cholesterol and is mostly monounsaturated fat, which has beneficial effects on blood cholesterol levels and helps to reduce your risk of developing CAD.
Olive oil is a healthier choice, but it is still a fat and all fats should be used sparingly.
Stephenie Karony is a certified health and fitness instructor,
a personal trainer and author of "Body Shaping With Free Weights.''
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