Exercise 3145 · REF pvBMLHA

Push-Up Plus exercise animation

Push-Up Plus

Category
Chest
Equipment
Body Weight
Target
Pectorals

The push-up plus adds a small protraction of the shoulder blades at the top of the movement, actively rounding the upper back slightly rather than stopping at full elbow lockout. That extra protraction targets the serratus anterior, a muscle standard push-ups barely touch.

How to Do the Push-Up Plus

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  2. Lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides.
  3. Once your chest is just above the ground, push through your hands to extend your arms and lift your upper body up.
  4. At the top of the movement, protract your shoulder blades by pushing your upper back towards the ceiling.
  5. Pause for a moment, then reverse the movement by retracting your shoulder blades and lowering your body back down to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Push-Up Plus primarily targets the Pectorals, with Triceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shoulders.

More Chest Exercises

More Pectorals Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

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

FAQ

What muscles does the Push-Up Plus work?
The Push-Up Plus primarily targets the pectorals, with the triceps and shoulders assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Push-Up Plus?
The Push-Up Plus is done with no equipment — just body weight.
What's a good alternative to the Push-Up Plus?
If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Chest Dip (kneeling) targets the same pectorals using leverage machine instead.