Push Up (Balance Board)
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
balance board Category
strength Secondary Muscles
A push-up variation performed with hands or feet on a balance board, increasing instability and core activation demands.
Instructions
- Place a balance board on the ground and assume a push-up position with hands on the board.
- Keep your feet on the ground and your body in a straight line.
- Engage your core to stabilize the balance board and prevent excessive rocking.
- Lower your body by bending your elbows, maintaining stability throughout.
- Continue lowering until your chest is near the board or your elbows form a 90-degree angle.
- Press through your hands to return to the starting position explosively.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
- Alternative: place feet on the balance board for increased difficulty.
Tips
- Start with hands on the board for a manageable challenge before progressing to feet on the board.
- The unstable surface increases core activation and proprioceptive demand significantly.
- Move with control rather than speed to maximize stability and muscle engagement.
- Keep your shoulders stable and do not allow excessive board rocking.
- This variation builds exceptional core stability and proprioceptive awareness.
- Perform 2-3 sets of 5-10 reps depending on current fitness level.
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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