I'm a personal trainer — instead of push-ups, try this exercise to strengthen your upper body and core muscles

Man performing.a dumbbell bicep curl.

I love push-ups and all push-up variations, but the Z press has my heart when I want to use more of my core muscles and test flexibility and mobility. If you’re looking for an overhead press variation to build upper-body strength, you can do this one seated.

You only need one kettlebell gripped in one or both hands, or you can use a set of the best adjustable dumbbells instead. The press variation involves pushing a weight above your head while seated with your legs extended. It ticks the box for functional fitness, requiring core engagement and stability to control the weight at all times without compromising your form.