Exercise 0137 · REF U6G2gk9

Body-Up exercise animation

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

  1. 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.
  2. Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground and your body straight.
  3. Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides, until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
  4. Pause for a moment, then push through your palms to straighten your arms and lift your body back up to the starting position.
  5. 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

More Triceps Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have body weight? These target the same triceps with different equipment.

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.