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Exercise Library/Chest/Body weight/Push-ups
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Push-ups

BWBodyweightStrength

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Classic push-up movement

How to Perform Push-ups

  1. 1Start in a high plank position: Place hands on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, fingers spread, arms straight, and body forming a straight line from head to heels.
  2. 2Engage your core and glutes: Squeeze your abdominal muscles and glutes to maintain a rigid body position, avoiding any sagging or arching of the lower back.
  3. 3Position your head and neck neutrally: Keep your gaze slightly forward on the floor, about 12 inches ahead, to maintain a straight spine.
  4. 4Inhale as you lower: Bend your elbows to slowly lower your chest toward the floor, keeping elbows at a 45-degree angle from your torso.
  5. 5Descend until chest nearly touches the ground: Continue lowering until your chest is just above the floor or elbows reach 90 degrees, maintaining body alignment.
  6. 6Exhale as you press up: Push through your palms to extend your arms and return to the starting high plank position, fully straightening elbows without locking them.
  7. 7Repeat for desired reps: Perform controlled reps without rushing, maintaining form throughout.
  8. 8Key form tips: Keep body straight like a plank—no sagging hips or piking butt; avoid flaring elbows wide; common mistake is incomplete range of motion or rushing the eccentric (lowering) phase.

Muscles Worked

Front

Back

Primary
Secondary
Primary
ChestShoulders
Secondary
Triceps

Equipment Required

Body weight
Uses 65% of bodyweight

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Quick answers

What muscles does Push-ups work?
Push-ups primarily targets the Chest, Shoulders. Secondary muscles worked include the Triceps.
What equipment do I need for Push-ups?
Push-ups is a bodyweight exercise. No additional equipment is required, though you may add resistance for progression.
How do I perform Push-ups correctly?
Push-ups is performed in 8 steps. Start by: Start in a high plank position: Place hands on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, fingers spread, arms straight, and body forming a straight line from head to heels. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
What type of exercise is Push-ups?
Push-ups is a strength training exercise designed to build muscle and increase force production. It primarily works the Chest, Shoulders.

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