Push Ups Vs Burpees – Which One Is Better Exercise?

Many of us love to do bodyweight exercises like push-ups and burpees for our activity and fitness needs. There is no equipment required and they can be performed anywhere, and loads of benefits come along. But, the question of which one is better still lingers in most of our minds. So, let’s explore the world of push-ups and burpees benefits to determine which is better for you on your fitness journey.

What Is Exactly the Meaning of Push-Ups?

One of the most basic and effective exercises in building up strength in the body is the push-up. Here is how you do it exactly:

1. Starting in the plank position, with hands under your shoulders.
2. Lower down your chest toward the floor, keeping your back flat.
3. Move back up to the position you started in.

For the most part, these exercises work the chest muscles, shoulders, arms, and core muscles.

➢ What Makes Push-Ups Wonderful?

• Works your upper body: Push-ups are good for building up your chest, shoulders, and arms.
• Works your core: While doing all the work for your arms, your abs get a workout too.
• Simple and convenient: You do not need fancy equipment to do push-ups; just a flat surface.
• Customizable for everyone: Beginners can try knee push-ups, while pros can go for tough versions like diamond or clap push-ups.

➢ But There Are Limits.

• Not a cardio workout: If you are aiming to get your heart pumping, push-ups won’t do the trick.
• Repetitive: Doing just push-ups over and over can get a little boring.

And What About Burpees?

Burpees are like an energizer bunny of exercises – a squat, push-up, and jump all tied up in one high-energy move. Here’s how to do a burpee:

1. Stand tall.
2. Now squat down and place your hands on the floor.
3. Kick your legs back, landing in a push-up position.
4. Do a push-up.
5. Explosively jump your legs back and return to the squat position, then leap in the air with your hands extended overhead.

Burpees will work every part of the body, from the legs and arms to the chest and core.

➢ Why Burpees Are a Game-Changer

• A full-body workout: Hit almost every muscle in the body.
• Raises the heart rate: Great exercise for cardio and burning of calories.
• Builds endurance: They take your endurance to the next level. Do them anywhere: Like push-ups, no equipment is required.

➢ But They Can Be Tough

• High intensity: They’re not the easiest exercise to start with, especially for beginners.
• Hard on joints: All the jumping and movement can strain your knees and wrists if your form isn’t spot on.
• Require more space: Burpees do require a little space for the jump.

Read Also:- How Long Does It Take to Transform Your Body with a Personal Trainer?

Push-Ups vs. Burpees: Breaking It Down

Let’s compare these two exercises based on what they bring to the table:

1. Targeted Muscles

• Push-ups work your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core.
• Burpees work all of your arms, chest, legs, and core at once.

If you want to build upper body strength, push-ups are your best bet. But for a full-body workout, burpees take the cake.

2. Cardio Benefits

• Push-ups are more about strength and do not get your heart beating.
• Burpees are cardio gold, and perfect for improving your stamina and burning calories.

Burpees win for cardio, hands down.

3. Ease of Use

• Push-ups are very simple and excellent for novices.
• Burpees are a bit complicated and would shock someone right from the beginning.

A beginner would do pretty well with starting to learn the movement of push-ups.

4. Time Effectiveness

• Push-ups would get stronger over time but relatively slow on calorie burn
• Burpees would have an individual burning calories plus exercising in a small fraction of time.

Burpees are your best bet if you do not have much time.

5. Injury Risk

• Push-ups: Less; especially when executed correctly, they hold no or lower risk of injury.
• Burpees: They come with a higher injury risk. They are more of high-impact activities.

Generally, push-ups are much safer, especially for anyone with joint concerns.

Read Also:- Exercise To Lose Belly Fat

☛ Advantages of Push-ups

Push-ups are best to do when:

• You’re looking to tone up the top of your body.
• You are a beginner or seeking a relatively uncomplicated exercise to learn.
• You need something very low-impact and straightforward.

☛ Advantages of burpees

Burpees are the absolute best when you:

• Need a full-body workout
• Require more cardio to increase the caloric burn
• Enjoy being challenged, having some level of athleticism, or being fit.

Conclusion: Why Not Do Both?

You can have the best of both worlds. The best of both is provided by a combination workout that includes push-ups and burpees. For example: do 10 push-ups, rest a little, then do 5 burpees alternate between the two in one session targeting strength and cardio. This will allow you to increase your muscle, and stamina while still keeping the workout fun and exciting.

Push-ups and burpees are among the best exercises. Each has a different purpose altogether. Push-up is better for the upper body, and way easier for beginners, whereas burpees give you the whole workout, which is good for losing calories and getting endurance.

The choice depends on what you’re aiming for. Start with push-ups if you’re new to exercise or looking to build strength. Once you’re ready for a challenge, add burpees to your routine. And if you’re feeling adventurous, combine them for a balanced workout that targets strength and cardio.

Consistency is the key; it doesn’t matter what you choose. Please stick to your routine; before you know it, the results will show!