Triangle Push-Up

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A push-up variation where hands form a triangle shape, emphasizing the triceps and shoulders over the chest.

Instructions

  1. Begin in a plank position with your body in a straight line from head to heels
  2. Position your hands to form a triangle shape, with your index fingers and thumbs touching to create the triangle
  3. Your elbows should be pointing back at approximately a 45-degree angle from your body
  4. Maintain a tight core and straight body position throughout
  5. Lower your body toward your hands by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides
  6. Descend until your chest nearly touches your hands or you reach a comfortable depth
  7. Press through your palms and straighten your elbows to return to the starting position
  8. Avoid letting your hips sag or pike upward

Tips

  • The triangle hand position shifts emphasis to the triceps and shoulders
  • Keep your elbows tucked close to your body for proper tricep activation
  • Maintain a rigid core to prevent your hips from sagging during the movement
  • If the full push-up is too difficult, perform from your knees while maintaining proper form
  • This variation is more challenging than a standard push-up due to the reduced base of support
  • Progress by increasing reps before attempting a decline or weighted variation

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.

expert calisthenics