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Exercise Guide
How to do clap push up
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The clap push up is an explosive plyometric exercise that develops power in the chest and triceps. By pushing off the ground with enough force to clap your hands, you train your fast-twitch muscle fibers for maximum speed and strength. This advanced variation not only builds a powerful upper body but also improves coordination and athletic performance, making it a favorite for power-focused athletic training.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
None
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Standard Push-up Position: Begin in a standard push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, body in a straight line from head to heels.
The Lift:
- Explosive Push: Lower yourself down as you would in a standard push-up, then powerfully press with enough force to launch yourself up.
- Clap: At the top of the movement, quickly release your hands from the floor and clap them together in front of your chest.
- Catch and Control: Immediately place your hands back on the floor and absorb the impact by slowly lowering into the next rep.
Tips:
- Practice without the clap: Focus on the powerful upward push before introducing the clap.
- Slightly wider hand placement: Provides a more stable base for launching yourself upwards.
- Core engagement: Maintain a tight core throughout the movement for stability and power.
Variations:
- Knee clap push-up: Easier variation, performed from your knees rather than a full plank.
Common mistakes: Landing with stiff elbows, losing the rigid plank position (sagging hips), and focusing more on the clap than the quality of the push-up.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Seated Fly Machine
machine seated fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench
cable lying fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable
cable incline fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Cable
cable low chest fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Barbell
barbell bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Chest Press Machine
machine chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Incline Chest Press Machine
machine incline chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
barbell incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Crossover Cable
cable standing fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Dumbbell
dumbbell fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable
cable standing crossovers
ChestFront Shoulder
High Incline Chest Press Machine
machine high incline hammer chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
barbell paused incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
None
clap push up
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
bench dip
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench Press
barbell paused bench press
ChestTriceps+1
None
chest tap push up
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
decline push up
ChestTriceps+1
None
dips between chair
ChestTriceps+1
Resistance Band
resistance band push up
ChestTriceps+1
Seated Dip Machine
machine seated dip
ChestTriceps+1
None
wide grip push-up
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
barbell paused decline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Dip Bar
chest dips
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
bench dip on floor
ChestTriceps+1
None
push up
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
cable lying pullover
ChestBack
Bench
dumbbell close grip bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Dumbbell
push-up row
ChestBack+5
Cable
cable incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Decline Chest Press Machine
machine decline chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Cable
cable bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
dumbbell incline fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench
dumbbell incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine
smit-machine bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine
smit-machine incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
None
diamond push up
ChestTriceps+1
None
incline push-up
ChestTriceps+1
None
floor triceps dips
ChestFront Shoulder+1
Resistance Band
assisted chest dip
ChestTriceps+1
Decline Bench
barbell decline bench press
ChestFront Shoulder+2
None
burpee
ChestTriceps+7