Close Grip Push Up - Instructions, Variations & Alternatives
Muscles involved
- Triceps
- Deltoids
- Pectorals
- Abdominals
Also known as
- Triceps Push Up
How to perform
Triceps Push Up - Starting position
Triceps Push Up - Muscle Under Tension
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Set up & Starting position (prone lying)
Use handles such as push-up bars or grab onto a low bar to keep your wrists in a neutral position.
Get on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders, fingers pointing forward (or close together in diamond shape, with the thumb and forefinger of each hand touching). Extend your feet backwards and straighten your body (into plank position). Contract your abdominal muscles so that your back is not hollow.
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Eccentric phase
Keep your body straight and your elbows tucked in as you lower your chest onto your hands. -
Concentric phase
Push through your palms and contract your triceps, bringing your torso back up to the starting position with your arms straight. Repeat.
Exercise Variations
- Incline Triceps Push Up
Incline push-up variation is ideal for beginners who want to quickly master and progress push-ups. You can gradually increase the difficulty by lowering the surface you are holding onto. The easiest variation is to press up against a wall.
Incline Triceps Push Up - Starting position
Incline Triceps Push Up - Muscle Under Tension
- Decline Triceps Push Up
Decline push-up focuses more on the upper pecs and is considered an advanced exercise as the body weight is increased by the inclination of the body. The higher you raise your feet, the more difficult the exercise will be. However, above a certain height, it turns into a Pike Push-up, which is a shoulder exercise.
Decline Triceps Push Up - Starting position
Decline Triceps Push Up - Muscle Under Tension