Upper Arms Exercise · Body Weight

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Handstand Push-Up

The handstand push-up takes vertical pressing to its hardest bodyweight version, loading the shoulders with close to full bodyweight through a range that a standing overhead press never asks for. Most lifters need a wall for balance and a long runway of pike push-ups and shoulder work before this is realistic without support.

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Also known as: Handstand Pushup

Category

Upper Arms

Equipment

Body Weight

Target

Triceps

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Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Handstand Push-Up

1. Stand a few feet from a wall, facing away from it.
2. Place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart and kick up into a handstand against the wall.
3. Bend your elbows to lower your head toward the floor while keeping your body straight.
4. Press through your hands and straighten your arms to return to the handstand position.
5. Repeat for your planned rep target, maintaining clean technique and steady breathing on every repetition.

Technique & Form Tips

Press by straightening the elbows while controlling the movement of the upper arms. Bench presses, push-ups and dips use different support points and shoulder positions; match the setup and range to the demonstrated variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.
• Using the wrong shoulder setup: Follow the specific support and shoulder movement shown. A bench-press setup does not apply unchanged to a push-up or dip.
• Using momentum: Control the descent and ascent to focus on steady movement.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Exhale during the pushing phase and inhale during the return.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Handstand Push-Up mainly targets your Triceps, with your Shoulders helping support the movement, along with your Chest, Core.

More Upper Arms Exercises

Assisted Standing Triceps Extension (with Towel) Assisted · Triceps Assisted Triceps Dip (kneeling) Leverage Machine · Triceps Band Alternating Biceps Curl Band · Biceps Band Close-Grip Push-Up Band · Triceps Band Concentration Curl Band · Biceps Band One Arm Overhead Biceps Curl Band · Biceps

More Triceps Exercises

Band Side Triceps Extension Band · Triceps Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Decline Close Grip To Skull Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Close Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Incline Reverse-Grip Press Barbell · Triceps Barbell Jm Bench Press Barbell · Triceps

Equipment Alternatives

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

Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press Barbell · Triceps Dumbbell Neutral Grip Bench Press Dumbbell · Triceps Exercise Ball Dip Stability Ball · Triceps EZ Barbell Jm Bench Press EZ Barbell · Triceps

FAQ

What muscles does the Handstand Push-Up work?

The Handstand Push-Up mainly works your triceps. It also helps strengthen your shoulders and chest, core. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Handstand Push-Up?

You do the Handstand Push-Up with no equipment — just body weight. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Handstand Push-Up?

One mistake to watch for is extreme elbow flare: Adjust the angle of your upper arms to find a comfortable position for your shoulders.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Handstand Push-Up?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Handstand Push-Up?

The Barbell Close-Grip Bench Press trains your triceps with barbell and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.