Push-Up (Bodyweight)

With a push-up you train the chest, triceps and front of your shoulders. Your torso helps keep your body aligned during the movement.

Also known as: Push-Up (Bodyweight), Press-Up (Bodyweight).

Bodyweight chest exercise.

How to perform this exercise

Place hands just outside shoulder width on the floor and support yourself on the toes with the body in a straight line.
Bend the elbows and lower the chest between the hands without sagging at the pelvis, keeping elbows at a comfortable angle to the torso.
Push the surface away until the arms are long while maintaining the same straight body position.

What are you paying attention to?

Place your hands slightly outside shoulder width. Let your chest move towards the floor in a controlled manner and push yourself back up. Keep your head, torso and legs together as one unit.

Common mistakes

Don't let your hips sag while only your upper body rises.
Don't force your elbows straight out to the side or use a bounce to get out of the bottom position.

Variants and your logbook

Pushing up with your hands on a sturdy platform makes the exercise easier. Choose a height at which you control the entire movement. Note the height: more reps on a higher support is not the same performance.

Explanation by Vytrix · Updated on September 19, 2026.
Source for the movement: NASM — Push Up. The logbook tips are our practical implementation. No external expert review published yet.