I’ve read on several martial arts sites that fingertip pushups can improve grip and finger strength. I’m ready to give them a shot but am unsure of technique. Should I have my fingers seperated or close together, should my fingers be extended fully or flexed? Also, if anyone knows of a site with a picture, I’d appreciate the adress.
Alot depends on your balance. Also, the goal would be for your fingers to be fully extended. I personally perform knuckle push-ups regularly. I suggest you start with those, if you haven’t yet. And when you do them, maintain the pressure on the fore and middle finger knuckles. Here’s something that I also do in the gym to help strengthen the fore and middle fingers. Whenever I pick up a 45-pound plate, I use only those two fingers to hold the plate. It’s a habit now, too. I’ll get my boyfriend to elucidate more on your question, he’s got more martial arts experience than I.
Knuckle pushups are great for conditioning the hands and wrist for martial arts training but I dont think they will do much for grip.
I do however agree with Patricia in that knuckle pushups are a good transition exercise between normal pushups and fingertip pushups
Your fingers should be slightly bent. Place a tennis ball under each hand and then when you do the pushup try to keep your palms from touching the tennis balls.
You might want to go to a book store and check out Bruce Lee’s Training Methods. There are several pictures of him doing finger tip push-ups.