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Push Up

Primary muscle
Chest
Secondary muscles
TricepsShoulders
Equipment
None

Overview

A bodyweight press that trains the chest, shoulders and triceps while your core holds a straight body line. It needs no equipment and scales from beginner to advanced.

How to do it

  1. Place your hands on the floor slightly wider than your shoulders.

  2. Extend your legs behind you so your body forms a straight line from head to heels.

  3. Brace your core and squeeze your glutes to keep your hips level.

  4. Lower your chest toward the floor, elbows about 45 degrees from your body.

  5. Stop just above the floor, then push back up until your arms are straight.

Tips

  • Put your hands on a bench to make it easier while you build strength.
  • Keep your neck neutral by looking at the floor slightly ahead of your hands.
  • Press your hands firmly into the floor to keep your shoulders stable.

Common mistakes

  • Letting your hips sag or pike up.
  • Flaring your elbows straight out to the sides.
  • Doing half reps without bringing your chest close to the floor.

Similar exercises

All Chest exercises

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