Build upper body strength with this six-move push-up workout

If you want to build muscle, you could target each area separately with moves like bicep curls. But if you're after a more time-efficient way to train, you can use this push-up workout to focus on your core, chest, shoulders and triceps simultaneously. 

Push-ups don't require any equipment at all, but when you're training at home it's usually a good idea to have one of the best yoga mats to hand. They provide better grip than your rug or carpet, so your hands and feet don't slip during certain moves, and will also provide extra cushioning to keep your spine and limbs comfortable. 

Now, if you've found a suitable space to workout, you're ready to take on fitness YouTubers Tiff x Dan's six-move push-up session. The push-up is already a multi-muscle compound exercise which works multiple areas of your body at the same time, and Dan uses several variations to hit the targeted muscles from different angles to stimulate growth. 

Dan demonstrates each of the moves in this short tutorial, so you can perfect your technique before getting started. You'll do 12-15 repetitions of each exercise, rest for 20 seconds, then move on to the next one. When you've finished all of them, go back to the start and repeat this six-move circuit to complete the workout — this should take you about 12 minutes. 

And, if you're still feeling super strong at the end of the second circuit, try adding another round to increase the difficulty of the session (this is an example of the muscle-building progressive overload principle). 

Watch Tiff x Dan's six-move push-up workout

Although the focus is on your upper body pushing muscles (namely, the chest, shoulders and triceps) this push-up workout will still sculpt your core. As Dan says: "When you think about it, a push up is like a moving plank, so you can get a very concentrated burn in your abs, shoulders, and throughout your posterior chain as well."

Strengthening your core, which includes your rectus abdominis (otherwise known as the six-pack abs muscle), helps improve your balance, posture, workout performance and even boosts your circulation. You can use these core strengthening exercises if you want a dedicated workout. 

And if you want to build visible muscle around your arms, shoulders, and abs, Tiff x Dan's short session can help. The duo use a technique known as high-intensity resistance training (HIRT), similar to HIIT (high-intensity interval training) but focusing on strength-based moves rather than cardio. 

Exercising in short, intense bursts with minimal rest increases your heart rate and boosts your metabolism (the amount of energy you burn at rest) for fat-burning results. But you'll also need to couple your training with a post-workout shake using the best protein powders for weight loss to help your muscles recover and grow.