Clap Press Ups

To increase your explosive power and strength, make the press up a plyometric exercise by putting a clap in at the top of a press up movement. You will need a good deal of strength to try this exercise as you need to give yourself enough time to clap whilst both hands are off the floor. If you dont push up fast or powerfully enough you may end up on your face! Try placing a pillow underneath you the first few times you try this to make sure you can do them without hurting yourself.

1) Take a normal press up position with your hands by your chest.
2) Explosively push upwards as fast as you can.
3) Bring both hands off the floor and clap them together at the top of the movement.
4) Quickly bring them back out and back to your sides as you land.
5) Absorb the impact and control the movement back down to the bottom so your chest brushes the floor.
6) Repeat for another explosive press.

Ensure your wrists are nicely warmed up prior to doing this exercise as they do take a lot of impact when they hit the floor.
If you want something even more challenging, try a clap in front AND a clap behind your back on each press! Not an easy one!