Knee Push-Up
A beginner-friendly push-up variation performed with knees on the ground, reducing load and building foundational upper body strength.
Instructions
- Start on your hands and knees on a mat or cushioned surface.
- Position your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, directly below your shoulders.
- Keep your knees on the ground and your hips elevated.
- Maintain a straight line from your knees through your hips to your shoulders.
- Engage your core and lower your body by bending your elbows.
- Descend until your chest nearly touches the floor while maintaining proper alignment.
- Push through your hands to drive your body back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- Keep your core engaged throughout to maintain a straight line from knees to shoulders.
- Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width for optimal chest activation.
- Lower your body under control; avoid dropping quickly to the floor.
- Your elbows should bend at approximately 45 degrees from your body.
- This variation is an excellent stepping stone toward full push-ups.
- As strength improves, progress to full push-ups by extending your legs.
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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