Incline Push-Up Close-Grip

A triceps-focused incline push-up with hands placed close together to emphasize tricep activation.

Instructions

1. Stand facing a Smith machine bar or sturdy elevated platform at an appropriate height.
2. Place your hands next to one another on the bar (close grip positioning).
3. Position your feet back from the bar with arms and body straight.
4. Your body should form a straight line from head to heels.
5. This is your starting position.
6. Keeping your body straight, lower your chest toward the bar by bending your elbows.
7. Your elbows should stay closer to your body compared to a standard push-up.
8. Return to the starting position by extending the elbows and pressing yourself back up.
9. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

• Close grip placement emphasizes tricep engagement over chest.
• Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement.
• The incline position reduces the difficulty compared to ground-level close-grip push-ups.
• Maintain a neutral spine by engaging your core.
• Lower until your chest nearly touches the bar.
• Control both the descent and ascent of each repetition.