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Close-grip push-up

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Muscles worked

High load
Triceps
Low load
Chest, Core, and Delts · Front

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Set the hands directly under the shoulders, body in a straight line, and lower until the chest is just above the floor with the elbows brushing the ribs. Press back to a full lockout, squeezing the triceps at the top. Keep the elbows in and the wrists comfortable — flaring the elbows turns it into a bad chest press and stresses the shoulders.

Form cues

  • Hands under the shoulders
  • Elbows brush the ribs

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

WristElbowShoulder

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.