Pike Press (between benches)
The Pike Press (between benches) primarily works the Anterior Deltoid, with secondary activation of the Brachialis, Lateral Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Serratus Anterior, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle), Triceps (Long Head) and stabilizer support from the Biceps Brachii (Short Head), Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Iliopsoas, Levator Scapulae, Rectus Abdominis, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae, Trapezius (Upper). It is a bodyweight compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
The Pike Press (between benches) is a intermediate compound exercise requiring no equipment, following a vertical push movement pattern. It primarily targets the Anterior Deltoid, with secondary engagement of the Brachialis, Lateral Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Serratus Anterior, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle), Triceps (Long Head). This is a bilateral pushing movement, meaning both sides work together to generate force.
A bodyweight compound push exercise targeting the Anterior Deltoid.
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Vertical Push |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Anterior Deltoid |
| Secondary | Brachialis, Lateral Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Serratus Anterior, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle), Triceps (Long Head) |
Muscles Worked
The Anterior Deltoid is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Brachialis, Lateral Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Serratus Anterior, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle), and Triceps (Long Head) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Biceps Brachii (Short Head), Erector Spinae, External Obliques, and 7 other muscles act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Anterior Deltoid (shoulders)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Lateral Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Clavicular) (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Serratus Anterior (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Brachii (Short Head) (biceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Iliopsoas (hip_flexors)
- Stabilizer Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Femoris (quadriceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Sartorius (hip_flexors)
- Stabilizer Muscle Tensor Fasciae Latae (hip_flexors)
- Stabilizer Muscle Trapezius (Upper) (back)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Kneel on two benches positioned side by side slightly apart at end nearest head.
- Place hands on ends of benches.
- With forefeet on opposite ends of bench, raise rear end high up with arms, back, and knees straight.
- Adjust feet so they are somewhat close to hands while keeping back and legs straight.
Execution
- Lower head between ends of benches by bending arms.
- Push body back up to original position by extending arms.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Pike Press (for front delts) differs fromPike Push-up(for upper chest) in that, feet are at closer distance to hands so body is more inverted in lowest position.
- Keep knees and back straight.
- A slight curve (spinal flexion) is acceptable, particularly ifhamstrings are tight.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Keep your core tight and avoid excessive lumbar extension to protect your lower back.
- Don't fully lock out your elbows at the top — maintain a slight bend for joint safety.
- Control the eccentric phase; lowering slowly builds more strength over time.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal.
| Strength | 3–5 sets × 3–6 reps at 80–90% 1RM with 2–4 minutes rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–5 sets × 6–12 reps at 65–80% 1RM with 60–120 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–4 sets × 15–20 reps at 50–65% 1RM with 30–60 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Anterior Deltoid) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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