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Exercise Guide
How to do diamond push up
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The diamond push up is a challenging bodyweight variation that places heavy emphasis on the triceps and the inner chest. By positioning your hands close together so the thumbs and index fingers form a diamond shape, you increase the mechanical load on the arms. This exercise is one of the most effective bodyweight movements for developing triceps strength and is a great tool for building upper body endurance.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
None
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Hand Position: Get into a high plank position. Bring your hands together directly under your chest, touching your index fingers and thumbs to form a diamond shape.
- Body Alignment: Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. Engage your core and glutes.
The Movement:
- Lower: Inhale and bend your elbows to lower your chest towards your hands. Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body.
- Press: Exhale and press through your hands to push your body back up to the starting position, focusing on contracting your triceps.
Tips:
- This variation places a strong emphasis on the triceps.
- If it's too difficult, you can perform the exercise on your knees or with your hands on an elevated surface (incline diamond push-up).
- Keep the movement slow and controlled to maximize muscle engagement.
Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows out wide, sagging at the hips, and not going through a full range of motion.
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