How to do a decline push up

About decline push up

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
beginner
EQUIPMENT
bench
TARGET MUSCLES
chest, triceps, frontShoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Elevated Surface: Find a stable elevated surface such as a bench, box, or step.
  2. Starting Position: Begin in a push-up position with your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart, and your feet elevated on the bench. Ensure your body forms a straight line from head to heels.

The Lift:

  1. Lower Down: Bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the floor, keeping your elbows tucked in close to your body at about a 45-degree angle.
  2. Depth: Lower yourself until your chest nearly touches the floor or as far as you comfortably can.
  3. Push Upward: Press through your palms to push your body back up to the starting position, extending your arms fully.

Tips:

  • Body Alignment: Maintain a straight line from head to heels throughout the movement. Avoid letting your hips sag or your back arch.
  • Engage Your Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine and prevent lower back pain.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body as you lower yourself down, not flared out.

Variations:

  • Feet Elevation: Adjust the height of the elevated surface to change the intensity of the exercise.
  • Close Grip: Bring your hands closer together to emphasize your triceps.
  • Diamond Push-Up: Touch your thumbs and index fingers together to form a diamond shape, placing increased emphasis on your triceps.

Alternatives

machine incline chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Incline Chest Press Machine

chest tap push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

barbell paused bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Bench PressBarbell

barbell bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press+1

decline push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Bench

cable incline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
CableBench

dips between chair

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

dumbbell close grip bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BenchDumbbell

dumbbell bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BenchDumbbell

machine high incline hammer chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
High Incline Chest Press Machine

machine chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Chest Press Machine

resistance band push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Resistance Band

machine seated dip

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Seated Dip Machine

wide grip push-up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

barbell paused decline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press

chest dips

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Dip Bar

bench dip on floor

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Bench

assisted chest dip

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Resistance BandDip Bar

barbell incline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press

cable bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
CableBench

barbell paused incline bench press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
BarbellBench Press

push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

machine decline chest press

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
Decline Chest Press Machine

clap push up

ChestTricepsFront Shoulder
None

push-up row

ChestBackBiceps+4
Dumbbell