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§ L · Exercises · ChestUpdated 6/2026

Incline Push-up

Builds the chest, triceps and front delts while improving pressing strength. It makes everyday pushing easier and prepares you for regular push ups.

Muscle group
Chest
Equipment
Bodyweight
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Basic technique

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Chest
Supporting muscles
TricepsShoulders

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Place your hands on an elevated surface (bench or box) shoulder-width apart and extend your legs behind you so your body forms a straight line from head to heels.

  2. 02

    Brace your core and pull your shoulder blades back and down.

  3. 03

    Lower your chest under control toward the elevated surface by bending your elbows to about 30–60 degrees from your torso, and keep your neck neutral.

  4. 04

    Push yourself back up by straightening your elbows and squeeze your chest at the top without arching your lower back.

  5. 05

    Return for the next repetition, maintaining your position and a steady tempo.

Beginner's guide

§ 03 · Guide
What it works

Builds the chest, triceps and front delts while improving pressing strength. It makes everyday pushing easier and prepares you for regular push ups.

What it should feel like

You should feel it in your chest, triceps and a bit in the front delts. It should not mainly be felt in your lower back or wrists.

Most common mistake

A common mistake is letting the hips sag or flaring the elbows too wide. Keep your core tight and your elbows about 30 to 60 degrees from your torso.

How to get started at the gym

§ 04 · SisuLift

Incline Push-up is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 05 · Tips

Choose an elevation height that allows you to perform a full range of motion pain-free and at a controlled tempo. Keep your hips stable and avoid letting your elbows flare out to the sides.

The incline push-up reduces the difficulty of the push-up by using an elevated surface and is suitable for building basic chest strength and technique.

More exercises: Chest

§ 06 · Same muscles

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