Push-Up

A versatile horizontal press for the chest, shoulders, triceps, and trunk that scales to any level.

Primary muscle

Chest

Primary musclesPectoralis major

Secondary musclesTriceps brachii, Anterior deltoids, Serratus anterior

Equipment

Bodyweight

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How to perform Push-Up

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

For Push-Up, place the hands slightly wider than the shoulders on the floor and form a firm line from head to knees or heels; keep the shoulder blades controlled.
Brace the trunk. Keep the feet planted and maintain a firm head-to-heel body line before beginning the repetition.
Bend the elbows to lower the chest while maintaining the same body line.
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 Push-Up mistakes

Wrists folding backward

Press through the heel of each hand and keep the wrist stacked rather than letting the palm or fingers lift.

Elbows flaring straight out

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

Losing trunk support

Keep the head, hips, and heels in one firm line instead of 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

Wrists folding backward: Press through the heel of each hand and keep the wrist stacked rather than letting the palm or fingers lift.
Losing trunk support: Keep the head, hips, and heels in one firm line instead of sagging to finish a repetition.
Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
Alternative Incline push-up or machine press: Use external support and a reduced balance demand while practising wrist, elbow, and shoulder alignment.

How to use Push-Up in a training program

Where it fits in a session

Use Push-Up early in a workout focused on chest, 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
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

Pairing and sequencing

Pair Push-Up with Barbell Bent Over Rows or Standing Face Pull for complementary pulling work.
Keep the second exercise light enough that it does not reduce pressing stability or shoulder position.

Scale the movement