Thumbnail for the video of exercise: Push-up

Push-up

Exercise Profile

Body PartChest
EquipmentBody weight
Primary MusclesPectoralis Major Sternal Head
Secondary MusclesDeltoid Anterior, Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head, Triceps Brachii
AppStore IconGoogle Play Icon

Get the exercise library in your pocket!

Introduction to the Push-up

Push-ups are a versatile bodyweight exercise that strengthens and tones the upper body, specifically targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps, while also engaging the core and lower body. Ideal for individuals at all fitness levels, they can be modified or intensified to match one's abilities and goals. People may opt for push-ups due to their convenience, requiring no equipment and offering substantial fitness benefits, including improved muscular endurance, upper body strength, and core stability.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Push-up

  • Lower your body by bending your elbows while keeping your core tight and maintaining the straight line of your body.
  • Continue to lower yourself until your chest almost touches the floor.
  • Push your body back up by straightening your arms and returning to the starting position.
  • Repeat these steps for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring to maintain proper form throughout the exercise.

Tips for Performing Push-up

  • **Controlled Movement**: Avoid rushing through your push-ups. Lower your body in a controlled manner until your chest almost touches the floor, then push up with the same controlled movement. This will help to engage all the necessary muscles and get the most out of the exercise.
  • **Breathing**: Another common mistake is holding your breath during push-ups. Instead, inhale as you lower your body, and exhale as you push up. This will help to provide your muscles with the oxygen they need to perform the exercise effectively.
  • **Avoiding Strain**: To avoid straining your neck or

Push-up FAQs

Can beginners do the Push-up?

Yes, beginners can definitely do push-up exercises. However, it's important to start slowly and use modifications if necessary to prevent injury. Beginners might want to start with wall push-ups or knee push-ups before progressing to standard push-ups. As strength and endurance improve, they can gradually move to more challenging variations. It's always important to maintain proper form to maximize effectiveness and prevent injury.

What are common variations of the Push-up?

  • The Wide Grip Push-up: In this variation, your hands are placed wider than shoulder-width apart, focusing more on your chest muscles.
  • The Decline Push-up: For this, you place your feet on an elevated surface with hands on the ground, which increases the challenge for your upper body and core.
  • The Spiderman Push-up: This push-up variation involves bringing your knee to your elbow on each rep, providing a great workout for your obliques and overall core.
  • The Plyometric Push-up: This is an advanced push-up variation where you push yourself off the ground with enough force that your hands leave the ground, enhancing your power and strength.

What are good complementing exercises for the Push-up?

  • The Bench Press: This exercise targets the same muscle groups as push-ups (chest, shoulders, and triceps) but allows you to add more weight, thus helping you to increase your strength and endurance for push-ups.
  • The Tricep Dips: This exercise specifically targets the triceps, which are key muscles used in push-ups. By strengthening your triceps with dips, you can improve your push-up performance and endurance.

Related keywords for Push-up

  • Bodyweight chest workout
  • Push-up exercise
  • Home chest workout
  • Push-up training
  • Chest strengthening exercises
  • Bodyweight push-up routine
  • Chest muscle building exercises
  • Fitness push-ups
  • Upper body workout
  • Strength training push-ups