Type: Bodyweight Strength
Primary Muscles: Chest, Triceps, Shoulders
Secondary Muscles: Core, Serratus Anterior
Exercise Key Form:
1. Start in a high plank position with hands shoulder-width apart.
2. Engage your core and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
3. Lower your chest toward the floor by bending elbows at a 45-degree angle.
4. Keep elbows close to your body and avoid flaring them out.
5. Push through your palms to return to the starting position.
NASM-CPT Tip: Keep your core tight and avoid arching your lower back for proper spinal alignment. If struggling, modify by doing push-ups from the knees.
Why This Exercise Is Important: Builds upper body strength, improves core stability, and enhances overall endurance. Push-ups are a foundational movement that transfers to daily activities and sports performance.
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