Push Up
Learn how to perform Push Up, a Chest exercise, with setup, breathing and common mistakes.
Push Up · Preview
Setup
Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width and make a straight line from head to feet. Brace your core and glutes so your body does not sag.
Start phase
Bend your elbows to about 45 degrees and slowly lower your chest toward the floor. Lower your whole body together instead of reaching forward with your head.
End phase
Push hard through your palms to come up. Think about pushing the floor away with your chest to feel it more clearly.
Target muscles
Think about pushing the floor away with your chest. If it feels like only your arms are pushing, reduce the load or use your knees and move slowly.
Common mistakes
If your lower back sags or your hips rise first, chest tension decreases. Prioritize a straight line from head to feet over getting more reps.
Breathing
Inhale as you lower and exhale as you push up. Exhaling as you push helps you keep tension in your chest.
Coach tip
Keep pushing the floor away at the top without shrugging your shoulders. Setting your hands around mid-chest height can increase chest tension.
