Which muscles does the push up work?

The push up mainly works your chest. It also involves your triceps and front delts.

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 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.

Push Up: how to do it and muscles worked

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

Muscles worked

Main

Chest

Helping

How to do the push up

1
Start in a high plank with hands just wider than your shoulders and feet together or slightly apart. Make a straight line from your head to your heels with your core and glutes tight.
2
Lower your body until your chest is about a fist from the floor, elbows at about 45 degrees. Push the floor away until your arms are straight.
3
Breathe in on the way down and out as you push up, keeping a steady pace. Do not rest your hips on the floor between reps.

Form tip: Do not let your hips sag or pike up; if your form breaks, switch to knee or incline push ups.

Common questions

Which muscles does the push up work?: The push up mainly works your chest. It also involves your triceps and front delts.
What equipment do I need for the 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 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.