You on this list, and indeed those of you that have bought my books etc are no doubt aware of my liking for the CLOSE grip pushup – and all it's many variants.

That being, to bring the hands in close together while doing pushups – or the “elbows in” boxer style pushup as I like to call it.

I dont know why, but every time I say pushups, people think this means either with arms at shoulder width, or slightly wider than that.

And I have to say this.

If THAT style is all you're (primarily) doing for that type of pushup (and there are many!) then you're not only doing yourself and your strength training a disservice, but the mighty pushup as well!

Believe me, the elbows in variant is so much better than the regular version that I could probably write a mini -manual on that alone!

And while the regular version(s) are fine to start off with I don't recommend you “stay” there.

(Of course, it's still better than benching or doing nothing, but hey ... )

Anyway, in came a question from a subscriber a while ago that I completely forgot to address here.

“Rahul,

What are your thoughts on close grip handstand pushups? Would you say they work the body and the shoulders, specifically, more intesely than the regular version?”

There was more. He had another question which I believe I did address ...

... But back to this one, and it's a good question actually 

I don't really advocate the close grip version of the handsand pushup my friend – for two reasons primarily.

One, BALANCE and reducing unneeded stress and strain on the wrist (and indeed, by extension) the elbows are parmount when doing any upper body exercise, and all the more so for intense workouts such as what handstand pushups lend themselves to.

And believe me on this one – no matter how much of an expert you are or will get to be at these, the closer you get, the more “unbalanced” you'll start to get.

Handstands and handstand pushups are meant to work the MAJOR big muscles of your upper body and the forearms. And the core, of course. And lower back.

But again, upper body wise – that means traps, shoulders and LATS (is it any surprise that I've always mentioned handstand pushups as one of the keys to getting better at pull-ups, and why the two together make an unbeatable workout combo?) . . .

And the closer you get with your hands when upside down, the more strain goes AWAY from said muscles.

Not good, and not what you want.

And as for “diamond” style handstand pushups?

Well, you could try – but again – I believe the variants I give you in Shoulders like Boulders, combined with the pulling variants in Battletank Shoulders are ALL you need for your entire life in that regard my friend.

As for pull-ups, well, you're already well aware of my views on the close grip pull-up – and why 

One of the best ever movements! Enough said, hehe.

Anyway, these and MANY other “faq's” make their way to me pretty frequently my friend, and sometimes I forget to address them in these emails.

And that is why I did up the “faq” on handstand pushups – and PULL-ups.

25 in each book, I believe – or mini book I should say, and if you're ordering off the 0 Excuses site, well, they're yours FREE with the purchase of the other books.

But if you're ordering off Amazon etc, well, it's a seperate order.

I don't believe I've gotten around to putting them anywhere else, unlike my other books, and I probably won't either. Hehe.

Well, my friend – thats it for now. Have at!

Best,

Rahul Mookerjee

PS – Pick up the best course on pushups right here – Pushup Central. My fingers grow weary of typing it, but I'll do so anyway – I nigh on challenge you to find one better than THIS! ;)