Exercise 0137 · REF U6G2gk9
Body-Up
- Category
- Upper Arms
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Target
- Triceps
The body-up is essentially a push-up variation that emphasizes pressing the torso up and forward rather than straight up, putting extra demand on the triceps near lockout. It's a less common name for a movement that trains the same pressing chain as a close-grip push-up. Controlling the descent matters as much as the press itself — most of the tricep work happens on the way down, not just the way up.
How to Do the Body-Up
- Start by placing your hands on a raised surface, such as a bench or parallel bars, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
- Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground and your body straight.
- Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides, until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
- Pause for a moment, then push through your palms to straighten your arms and lift your body back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
The Body-Up primarily targets the Triceps, with Chest as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders.
More Upper Arms Exercises
Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel)
Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling)
Band Alternating Biceps Curl
Band Close-Grip Push-Up
Band Concentration Curl
Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl
More Triceps Exercises
Band Side Triceps Extension
Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press
Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press
Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press
Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press
Barbell Jm Bench Press
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have body weight? These target the same triceps with different equipment.
Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel)
Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling)
Band Close-Grip Push-Up
Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press
FAQ
- What muscles does the Body-Up work?
- The Body-Up primarily targets the triceps, with the chest and shoulders assisting.
- What equipment do I need for the Body-Up?
- The Body-Up is done with no equipment — just body weight.
- What's a good alternative to the Body-Up?
- If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) targets the same triceps using assisted instead.