What Muscles Do Push-Ups Work? Many people typically think of push-ups as an upper-body exercise, but they actually work the full body. You’ll strengthen the muscles of the arms, chest, and back, as well as your abdominal muscles and your quadriceps (the large muscles on the front of your thighs), says Lisa Toscano, EdD, professor of kinesiology at Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, other muscles you’ll be training as you do a push-up include the pectoralis major (your chest muscle), the anterior deltoids (front of your shoulders), triceps, biceps, rhomboids (the upper-back muscles that connect between your spine and shoulder blades), and the trapezius (the muscle bundle that extends from the back of your head and neck). Secondary muscle groups worked include the serratus anterior (the fan-shaped muscle along the top of your ribs) and coracobrachialis (a long, slender muscle in the upper arm), as well as the core as a whole, notes Dylann Craig, founder of Impact Physical Therapy in New York City.

Are Push-Ups Safe for Everyone? You can injure yourself doing push-ups if you take on too much too quickly, Capritto says. If you’re a beginner, start with modified push-ups, such as incline push-ups (using a box or bench), knee push-ups, or standing push-ups done against a wall (more on how to do these variations below), she recommends. "Many beginners will need to modify push-ups for months or years before safely progressing to a standard push-up," she says. Know that you’re building up a lot of strength with modified versions. Additionally, pregnant women should modify push-ups in a way that puts less stress on the abdomen, either by doing box or knee push-ups (more on those below), or by doing standing push-ups against a wall, Capritto says. And if you have any injury or pain in the chest or shoulder (no matter if anterior or posterior), you should consult with a certified trainer, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional for a full assessment and to ask for explicit guidelines and modification options to prevent re-injury or exacerbation of an existing injury, Capritto advises.

Capritto says you should always talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist before attempting push-ups if you have any other condition that might be aggravated by the activity. How Many Push-Ups Should You Be Doing? If you’re just starting out, Capritto suggests incorporating push-ups into your workout routine between one and three times a week, each time performing three sets of 5 to 10 push-ups. If you can’t do a full, traditional push-up with good form, start with modified push-ups. Capritto recommends starting with box push-ups or Titan Rise Supplement knee push-ups if you need to modify (instructions below). Modifications make the movement safer for beginners, as they build strength in the muscles of the core and scapula (shoulder blade), she says. Once you can complete three sets of 5 to 10 reps oise Supplement lowering your chest until it almost touches the floor, while keeping the muscles of your core tight and your back as flat as possible. 4. Pause for a moment, then push your body back up into high-plank position, maintaining a flat back and engaging your core, front deltoids, triceps, chest, and forearms. You can also follow the detailed instructions and video guide from The American Council on Exercise. 1. Grab a sturdy box or stack of risers.