Push Up

   (Last modified on September 7, 2025)  |   Genx

Table of Contents

A push-up is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It also engages the core, back, and legs to a lesser extent. Push-ups are a fundamental exercise in many fitness routines due to their effectiveness and simplicity, requiring no equipment other than your own body weight.

How to Perform a Standard Push-Up

  1. Starting Position:

  • Begin in a plank position with your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

  • Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels.

  • Keep your feet together or slightly apart for balance.

  • Engage your core to maintain a neutral spine.

  1. Lowering Phase:

  • Bend your elbows and lower your body toward the ground.

  • Keep your elbows at about a 45-degree angle to your body.

  • Lower yourself until your chest nearly touches the floor.

  1. Pushing Phase:

  • Push through your palms to extend your arms and return to the starting position.

  • Ensure you maintain a straight line with your body throughout the movement.

Benefits of Push-Ups

  • Strength Building: Push-ups build strength in the upper body, particularly in the pectoral muscles, triceps, and shoulders.

  • Core Stability: The exercise engages the core muscles, helping improve stability and balance.

  • Versatility: Push-ups can be modified to increase or decrease difficulty, such as by adjusting hand placement or elevating feet.

  • No Equipment Needed: They can be performed anywhere, making them convenient for home workouts or while traveling.

Variations

  1. Knee Push-Ups: A modified version where you keep your knees on the ground to reduce resistance.

  2. Incline Push-Ups: Perform push-ups with your hands on an elevated surface to make them easier.

  3. Decline Push-Ups: Elevate your feet on a higher surface to increase difficulty.

  4. Diamond Push-Ups: Place hands close together under the chest to target triceps more intensely.

Push-ups are an excellent exercise for building strength and endurance in various muscle groups, making them a staple in many fitness programs.