Working on homework or studying for exams for hours on end can be mentally tiring. One way to perk yourself up is by doing a simple yet effective work-out — the pushup.

Regular pushup

Start with your hands around shoulder width apart, palms on the ground, feet together and back straight. Push yourself up till your arms are straight. Go down until your arms break 90 degrees, then push back up. Make sure to keep your back straight the entire time.

Diamond pushup

Have your hands touching while forming a diamond. Your feet should be spread shoulder width apart and your back straight. Push up until your arms are straight. Go down as far as you can, but not so much that you cannot push yourself up.

Of these three, diamond pushups are the hardest so do not get discouraged if you cannot do many-it will improve over time if you keep at it.

William Miles can be reached at [email protected]