Single Arm Push-Up (Medicine Ball)
Level
expert
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
medicine ball Category
strength Secondary Muscles
An advanced push-up variation with one hand on a medicine ball, significantly increasing chest, shoulder, and core demands while developing anti-rotation stability.
Instructions
- Begin in a plank position with one hand on a medicine ball and the other hand on the floor.
- Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them at approximately 45 degrees from your torso.
- Lower until your chest nearly touches the medicine ball or floor level.
- Push through your hands to drive yourself back to the starting position.
- Maintain a straight line from your head through your heels; resist rotation.
- Complete reps on one side, then switch hand positions.
Tips
- This is an advanced movement; master traditional push-ups first.
- Maintaining core stability and preventing rotation is critical.
- Keep your glutes engaged to prevent sagging hips.
- The medicine ball may roll; use a slightly deflated or larger ball for stability.
- Lower yourself in a controlled manner to maintain equilibrium.
- This develops significant chest, shoulder, and anti-rotation core strength.
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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