Decline push-up

How to do it

Set the feet on a sturdy step, sofa edge or low chair and the hands on the floor slightly wider than the shoulders. Hold one rigid line from heels to head, lower until the forehead nearly touches the floor, and press back up. The elevated feet shift the load toward the upper chest and shoulders and add bodyweight to the press — master flat push-ups first, and raise the surface height gradually.

Form cues

• Brace hard — the incline tempts the hips to sag
• Lower until the forehead nearly touches the floor

Safety

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

Similar exercises

• Push-up
• Incline dumbbell press
• Incline barbell press
• Incline push-up