Close-Grip Push-Up

A push-up variation with a narrower hand position to increase the demand on the triceps.

Primary muscle

Triceps

Primary musclesTriceps brachii

Secondary musclesPectoralis major, Anterior deltoids

Equipment

Bodyweight

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Set up for Close-Grip Push-Up

Prepare the training area

Use a level, non-slip surface and clear enough room for the complete movement.
Place any required mat, bench, or stable hand support before taking the starting position.

Position yourself for Close-Grip Push-Up

Place the hands slightly wider than the shoulders and build a straight line from the head through the hips to the knees or heels.
Stack each wrist above its elbow and choose an elbow angle that allows the shoulder to stay supported through the full press.

Choose and verify the starting level

Choose the easiest Close-Grip Push-Up variation that preserves the required body line and full controlled range; use elevation, support, or assistance as needed.
Perform one slow rehearsal repetition and change the setup if the equipment shifts, the range causes pain, or the target position cannot be maintained.

How to perform Close-Grip Push-Up

Follow the sequence in order, paying attention to the starting position, movement path, and finish described in each step.

Set the hand position and body support for Close-Grip Push-Up, with the wrists stacked and the shoulder blades controlled.
Brace the trunk and keep the feet, knees, or suspension straps stable before beginning the repetition.
Lower the chest, handles, or weights while the elbows travel at a comfortable angle from the torso.
Stop at the deepest position that keeps the shoulders supported and the forearms aligned with the resistance.
Press away to extend the arms without losing the body line or forcefully locking the elbows.

Common Close-Grip Push-Up mistakes

These are the form changes most likely to move work away from the target muscles or make the repetition harder to control.

Wrists folding backward

Stack each wrist above the forearm and keep the handle or weight centred over the heel of the hand.

Elbows flaring straight out

Use a comfortable diagonal elbow angle that keeps the forearms aligned with the resistance.

Losing trunk support

Keep the head, upper back, feet, knees, or plank line stable instead of arching or sagging to finish a repetition.

Forcing the bottom range

Stop before the shoulders roll forward or drop below the depth you can control.

When to modify or choose another exercise

Reduce the resistance, range, lever length, or balance demand if Close-Grip Push-Up cannot be completed without compensation.
Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
Use a neutral grip, shorter range, or supported variation when the shoulder feels pinched; avoid working through pain or a recent restriction from a clinician.

Programming guide

How to use Close-Grip Push-Up in a training program

Use Close-Grip Push-Up early in a session focused on triceps, or early in a full-body session, when it is a priority lift; place it later when it supports volume for another main movement.

Where it fits in a session

Use Close-Grip Push-Up early in a workout focused on triceps, or early in a full-body workout, when strength or technical progress is the priority; place it later when it supplies secondary volume.

How often to use it

Use one to three times per week as part of training the relevant muscle groups at least twice weekly; the same exercise does not need to appear in every session.

Starting rep ranges by goal

Goal	Sets	Reps or time	Rest	Effort and execution
Technique	2–4	3–6	90–180 sec	Light to moderate; 3–5 reps in reserve
Strength	2–4	3–6	2–4 min	Heavy, usually 2–3 clean reps in reserve
Muscle growth	2–4	6–12	90–180 sec	Usually 1–3 clean reps in reserve

How to progress it

Use double progression: reach the top of the repetition range across all sets with the same technique, then add the smallest practical load and return to the lower end.

Pairing and sequencing

Pair with an opposing or low-skill accessory when the second exercise does not reduce safety or performance.
Count working sets toward total weekly volume for every major muscle group that contributes substantially.

Coach's notes

For general strength, start with 2–3 working sets of 4–8 repetitions and rest 2–3 minutes between demanding sets.
For muscle growth, use a moderate load for 6–12 controlled repetitions and count the sets toward weekly volume for the trained muscles.
Progress repetitions within the chosen range before adding a small amount of load, and record load, reps, range, and effort.

Scale the movement