Push-Up
The push-up is a horizontal push exercise that primarily trains the pecs, with the triceps, front delts and core assisting. Equipment: bodyweight. Suited to beginner lifters.
- Primary muscles
- Pecs
- Secondary muscles
- triceps, front delts and core
- Muscle group
- chest
- Equipment
- bodyweight
- Movement pattern
- Horizontal Push
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Also searched as
- push up, pushup, push ups
Complete push-up guides
- Proper formPush-up: Proper Form, Step by StepLearn proper push-up form with step-by-step setup, cues, breathing, tempo, common mistakes and fixes. Safety-first, practical, no fluff.
- Muscles workedPush-up: Muscles Worked and Best AlternativesWhat muscles do push-ups train, where they fit in a program, and 4 solid alternatives for beginners, plateaus, limited equipment, or shoulder issues.
- Sets and repsHow Many Sets and Reps for the Push-up?Clear, evidence-aware set, rep and frequency ranges for push-ups by goal (strength, hypertrophy, endurance), week-to-week progression, and when to add weight vs reps.
- Common mistakesThe Most Common Push-up Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)Learn the 7 most common push-up mistakes, why they happen, what they cost (lost gains or injury risk), and one concrete fix for each to improve strength and form.
- At-home alternativesPush-up Alternatives at Home (Minimal Equipment): What to Use, What You Lose, and When to Go to a GymFour to five at-home push-up substitutes using bodyweight, dumbbells, or bands: what each keeps and misses versus push-ups, progression tips, safety, and when to get gym access.
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