Hindu Pushups: Everything you need to know

LockerRoom Team

11 Dec 2022

Hindu pushups, also known as "dive bomber" pushups or "agar" pushups, are a type of strength training exercise that originated in ancient India. Unlike traditional pushups, which focus primarily on the chest and arm muscles, Hindu pushups target the entire body, including the shoulders, triceps, back, and core.

Origins of Hindu Pushups

The origins of Hindu pushups can be traced back to ancient India. In the centuries before modern fitness equipment was invented, Hindu warriors and yogis used their own body weight to build strength and improve their physical prowess.

One of the key exercises used by these ancient warriors and yogis was the Hindu pushup.

The exact origins of Hindu pushups are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Some historians believe that the exercise was developed by the Hindu warrior class, who used it as a way to prepare for battle. Others suggest that the exercise was developed by yogis, who used it as a way to improve flexibility and balance.

Regardless of its exact origins, it is clear that Hindu pushups have been a part of Indian culture for centuries. In fact, some historians believe that the exercise was first mentioned in ancient Indian texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata. These texts, which date back to the fifth century BC, describe the importance of physical fitness and the role of bodyweight exercises in building strength and improving health.

How to do Hindu Pushups?

Hindu pushups are considered to be one of the most challenging bodyweight exercises, as they require a high degree of strength, flexibility, and balance. In order to perform a Hindu pushup, you must start in a downward-facing dog position, with your hands and feet on the ground and your body forming an upside-down "V" shape.

From this position, you then lower your body down towards the ground, allowing your chest and hips to touch the ground. Finally, you push back up to the starting position, using your entire body to generate the force.

What are the benefits of Hindu Pushups?

The benefits of Hindu pushups are numerous. In addition to building strength and muscle mass in the upper body, Hindu pushups also help to improve flexibility and balance. This is because the exercise requires the body to move through a wide range of motion, stretching the muscles and improving joint flexibility. Additionally, Hindu pushups can help to improve cardiovascular endurance, as they are a high-intensity exercise that can raise the heart rate and increase breathing rate.

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One of the key benefits of Hindu pushups is that they are a bodyweight exercise, meaning that they can be performed anywhere and require no special equipment. This makes them an excellent option for those who do not have access to a gym or who are looking for a challenging workout that can be done at home. Additionally, because Hindu pushups are a full-body exercise, they can help to improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.

Precautions you should take

If you are new to Hindu pushups, it is important to start slowly and build up your strength and endurance over time. Begin by performing a few pushups in the traditional style, using your hands and feet to support your body weight. Once you feel comfortable with this movement, try incorporating the downward-facing dog position and the full range of motion. As you get stronger, you can increase the number of repetitions and the speed of the movement to make the exercise more challenging.

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In conclusion, Hindu pushups are powerful and effective bodyweight exercises that can help to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Hindu pushups are an excellent addition to any fitness routine. So why not give them a try and see the benefits for yourself? Photo Courtesy