Decline Push-Up (Medicine Ball)

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
medicine ball
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

An advanced push-up variation where the feet are elevated on a medicine ball, increasing chest and shoulder demand while challenging core stability.

Instructions

  1. Position yourself in a push-up stance with your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart.
  2. Place your feet on top of a medicine ball, maintaining a straight body line.
  3. Lower your body toward the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them at approximately 45 degrees from your body.
  4. Press through your hands to return to the starting position.
  5. Maintain stability on the medicine ball throughout the movement.

Tips

  • This variation increases difficulty and upper chest activation compared to standard push-ups.
  • Keep your core engaged to prevent your hips from sagging or rotating.
  • Use a sturdy medicine ball that won’t shift excessively during the movement.
  • Beginners should master standard push-ups before attempting this variation.

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

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

beginner calisthenics
expert calisthenics
expert calisthenics
expert calisthenics
expert calisthenics
expert calisthenics
expert calisthenics
intermediate calisthenics
intermediate calisthenics
expert calisthenics