Which muscles does the incline push up work?

The incline push up mainly works your chest. It also involves your triceps.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.

How do I track the incline push up in SweatByte?

Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

Incline Push Up: how to do it and muscles worked

The incline push up mainly works your chest, with help from your triceps. You need bodyweight (no equipment).

Muscles worked

Main

Chest

Helping

Triceps

How to do the incline push up

1
Place your hands on a bench, box or sturdy rail, a little wider than your shoulders. Walk your feet back until your body is in a straight line from head to heels.
2
Lower your chest to the edge of the support, keeping your elbows at about 45 degrees. Push away until your arms are straight.
3
Breathe in on the way down and out on the way up, moving at a steady pace. Keep your core tight so your hips do not drop.

Form tip: Make sure the bench cannot slide; a lower surface makes the exercise harder, so progress by lowering the height.

Common questions

Which muscles does the incline push up work?: The incline push up mainly works your chest. It also involves your triceps.
What equipment do I need for the incline push up?: You need bodyweight (no equipment).
How many sets and reps should I do?: A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the incline push up in SweatByte?: Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More chest exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.