Can you master the viral V-Bar Pushup challenge? – Muscle and fitness

Viral strength and fitness challenges on social media can be difficult to master, not least because they require strength, balance and often unrevealed technique, but a recent Instagram video showing fearless gym-goers attempting the V-Bar Pushup Challenge, shared by coach Harvey Suika, provided lessons as well as laughs.

Online fitness coach Harvey Suika, better known to his Instagram followers as “Officer Harvs”, loves to inspire people of all fitness levels, and recently shared a fun video with those who have both failed and succeeded with this challenge. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the V-Bar Pushup Challenge?

Using a V-Bar attachment, such as the seated row handle, the idea is to complete as many push-ups as possible while pushing off the attachment instead of the floor. The concept may be super simple, but the execution is anything but simple. Sharing the successes and failures of its willing participants, it becomes clear that completing the push-up, or even the first descent, often leads to laughter as the V-bar attachment leans to one side from the other, causing a person to fall flat on their stomach.

How to Master the V-Bar Pushup Challenge

Time and time again we held back laughter as these gym-goers tried to hold the V-Bar (and their dignity), but eagle-eyed viewers in the comments section were quick to observe the winning techniques. As the first man completed his push-up, one user thought he had discovered the secret to success. “So the technique is wide feet,” he offered. Well, that’s certainly a big part of it, but not all of it. With the feet spread, a more triangular base leads to a stronger base, but core strength is also essential. As does the ability to stay balanced and not lean too far to one side. You need to be able to hold the load evenly on both sides of your body so that you don’t push or pull down too hard on either side of the bar. “Ah, you feel it to the core! And that’s just me watching,” one follower wrote. “It took me a little but I got it,” another added. This fun yet inspiring Instagram reel has now been viewed more than a million times.

As with all strength challenges, practice is key. You’ll use your grip, biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, balance and core to complete these reps, so work on your balance, core and strength symmetry to master this challenge. But there may be another special secret: “The secret must be green,” one non-serious poster offered. “The last two both destroyed that challenge.”

To follow Harvey “Agent Harvs” Suika on Instagram, click here.