What are banded pushups?

Banded pushups are a variation of the traditional pushup where resistance bands are used to increase the challenge and effectiveness of the exercise. Here’s how they are described on the Mind Pump Podcast:

1. Setup: The band is typically placed around your upper back and anchored using your hands. This setup adds resistance to the pushup motion.
2. Execution: As you perform the pushup, the resistance from the band increases as you extend your arms, making the top of the pushup harder.
3. Core Engagement: Banded pushups require strong core engagement, as you're essentially holding a plank position while pressing against the resistance.
4. Variations: They can be performed elevated, off the knees, or with heavier bands to adjust the difficulty level 1.

This version of pushups emphasizes upper body strength (chest, shoulders, triceps) and intensifies core engagement. It's recommended to start with lighter bands and progressively increase the resistance 2.