Box Push Up
A modified push-up performed with hands elevated on a box or bench, reducing the load on the upper body and making the exercise more accessible for beginners.
Instructions
- Place your hands on the box or bench, positioning them slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Walk your feet back until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
- Keep your core tight, glutes engaged, and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Lower your body by bending your elbows, bringing your chest toward the box in a controlled manner.
- Lower until your chest nearly touches the box or your elbows reach approximately 90 degrees of flexion.
- Push through your hands to extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the target number of reps.
Tips
- A higher box height reduces the difficulty; adjust the height to match your current strength level.
- Maintain a straight body line throughout the movement to maximize chest activation and core engagement.
- Keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle from your body rather than flared out to the sides.
- Control the descent and push explosively on the ascent, maintaining tension throughout the movement.
- Progress by lowering the box height as your strength increases, eventually transitioning to standard push-ups.
- Keep your head neutral; avoid looking up or down which can compromise spinal alignment.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |
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