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Exercise Guide
How to do pike push-up
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The pike push-up is a fundamental bodyweight exercise designed to build shoulder strength and improve vertical pressing mechanics. By placing your body in an inverted V-shape, you shift more weight onto your deltoids compared to a standard push-up. This exercise serves as a progression toward more advanced movements like handstand push-ups while also engaging your core and upper chest for stability.
Stats
TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
None
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder, Chest, Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Pike Position: Start in a standard push-up position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and feet hip-width apart.
- Elevate Hips: Walk your feet towards your hands as far as you comfortably can, raising your hips high into the air, forming an inverted "V" shape with your body.
The Lift:
- Initiate the bend: Slowly bend your elbows, lowering your head towards the floor. Maintain a straight line from your shoulders down to your hips.
- Control the descent: Descend until your head nearly touches the floor. Focus on your shoulders and triceps working.
- Powerful press: Press back up to the starting pike position, extending your elbows fully.
- Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions with smooth, focused movements.
Tips:
- Engage your core: Keep your core tight and hips high throughout the exercise to maintain body position and stability.
- Keep Elbows In: Tuck your elbows relatively close to your body for optimal shoulder and tricep activation.
Variations:
- Wall Pike: Easier variation performed with your feet closer to a wall and hips lower.
Common mistakes: Flaring the elbows out wide, tucking the chin to the chest instead of aiming the crown of the head toward the floor, and keeping the hips too low.
Alternatives
Cable
cable front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell
barbell overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell seated behind the neck press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
barbell seated overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench
dumbbell incline y raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine hammer grip shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell
kettlebell strict press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell
kettlebell upright row
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None
pike push-up
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band
resistance band overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell push press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell arnold press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine standing shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2