Push-Up

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Push-UpPush-Up

A fundamental bodyweight exercise that develops upper body pushing strength and muscular endurance.

Instructions

  1. Lie face down on the floor with your hands placed about shoulder-width apart.
  2. Position your toes on the floor and raise your body so you’re supported by your hands and toes.
  3. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels with your core engaged.
  4. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your chest nearly touches the floor.
  5. Pause briefly at the bottom while maintaining a straight body position.
  6. Push your body back up to the starting position by extending your arms.
  7. 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.

Atomic Push-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about atomic push-up (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Bench Press Tricep Extension (Cable)

Learn more about bench press tricep extension (cable)
expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength