Incline Push Up

Place both hands shoulder-width apart on a stable flat bench, with your feet on the floor. Keep a straight line from your head to your heels.

Bend your elbows about 45 degrees from your torso and lower slowly toward the bench. Stop before your chest touches the cushion, keeping your body straight.

Push firmly through your hands and come up. Keep the feeling of pushing with your chest.

Think about pushing the support away with your chest. If you feel only your arms working, keep your elbows closer to your torso and try again.

Do not press your chest into the bench or let your lower back sag. Maintain a gap above the cushion and push up without bouncing.

Inhale as you lower and exhale as you push up. Exhaling as you push helps you keep your core braced.

A support height that puts your elbows above your wrists reduces wrist strain and improves stability. As you get comfortable, gradually lower the support and progress toward a standard push-up.