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Exercise Guide
How to do decline push up
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The decline push up is a powerful bodyweight exercise that shifts the focus of the movement toward the upper pectoral muscles and the anterior deltoids. By elevating your feet on a bench or platform, you increase the resistance placed on your upper body. This variation is excellent for building chest definition and enhancing overall upper body pushing strength and core stability.
Stats
TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Elevated Surface: Find a stable elevated surface such as a bench, box, or step.
- 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:
- 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.
- Depth: Lower yourself until your chest nearly touches the floor or as far as you comfortably can.
- 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.
Common mistakes: Arching the lower back, sagging the hips, and placing the hands too far forward which puts excessive strain on the shoulders.
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