Push-Up

A fundamental bodyweight exercise that develops upper body pushing strength and muscular endurance.
Instructions
- Lie face down on the floor with your hands placed about shoulder-width apart.
- Position your toes on the floor and raise your body so you’re supported by your hands and toes.
- Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels with your core engaged.
- Lower your body by bending your elbows until your chest nearly touches the floor.
- Pause briefly at the bottom while maintaining a straight body position.
- Push your body back up to the starting position by extending your arms.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- Keep your body straight and rigid throughout the entire movement.
- Lower yourself in a controlled manner rather than dropping quickly.
- Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder width for more chest emphasis.
- If you cannot complete a full push-up, perform them from your knees or against an elevated surface.
- Proper form is more important than the number of repetitions.
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.
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