Push-Up
The Push-Up primarily works the Anterior Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Triceps (Long Head), with secondary activation of the Anterior Deltoid, Brachialis, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Triceps (Lateral Head), Triceps (Long Head), Triceps (Medial Head) and stabilizer support from the Biceps Brachii (Short Head), Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Pectoralis Minor, Rectus Abdominis, Rectus Femoris, Serratus Anterior, Transverse Abdominis. It is a bodyweight compound exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Push-Up is a beginner compound exercise requiring no equipment, following a horizontal push movement pattern. It primarily targets the Anterior Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Triceps (Long Head), with secondary engagement of the Anterior Deltoid, Brachialis, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Triceps (Lateral Head), Triceps (Long Head), Triceps (Medial Head). This is a bilateral pushing movement, meaning both sides work together to generate force.
Standard bodyweight push-up performed with hands shoulder-width apart.
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Horizontal Push |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Anterior Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Triceps (Long Head) |
| Secondary | Anterior Deltoid, Brachialis, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Triceps (Lateral Head), Triceps (Long Head), Triceps (Medial Head) |
Muscles Worked
The Anterior Deltoid, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), and Triceps (Long Head) are the primary movers, collectively driving the movement and absorbing the greatest share of the load. The Anterior Deltoid, Brachialis, Pectoralis Major (Clavicular), Triceps (Lateral Head), Triceps (Long Head), and Triceps (Medial 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 5 other muscles act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Anterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Primary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Sternal) (chest)
- Primary Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Anterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Clavicular) (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Triceps (Lateral Head) (triceps)
- Secondary Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
- Secondary Muscle Triceps (Medial Head) (triceps)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Brachii (Short Head) (biceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Pectoralis Minor (chest)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Femoris (quadriceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Serratus Anterior (chest)
- Stabilizer Muscle Transverse Abdominis (core)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Lie prone with forefeet on floor and hands slightly wider than shoulder width.
- Raise body up off floor by extending arms with body straight.
Execution
- Keeping body straight, lower body to floor by bending arms.
- Push body up until arms are extended.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Both upper and lower body must be kept straight throughout movement.
- Seeclose grip push-up.
- Also seepush-up test calculator.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Brace your core and keep your feet flat for a stable base throughout the movement.
- Control the descent — don't let the weight drop or bounce at the bottom.
- Keep your elbows at roughly 45–75° from your torso to protect your shoulder joints.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| 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, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Triceps (Long Head)) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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