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Exercise Guide
How to do resistance band push up
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The resistance band push up is an advanced variation of the classic push up that adds variable resistance to the movement. As you push away from the floor, the band stretches, increasing the load at the top of the rep. This targets the chest and triceps more intensely, helping to overcome plateaus in bodyweight training and improving explosive power and muscle fiber recruitment.
Stats
TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Resistance Band
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Triceps, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Band Placement: Loop the resistance band across your upper back and under your hands (palms facing down). Secure it in place with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart in a standard push-up position.
- Starting Position: Begin in a high plank position with your feet hip-width apart. Engage your core by squeezing your abs and glutes.
- Shoulder Position: Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
The Lift:
- Initiate the bend: Bend your elbows, lowering your chest towards the floor in a controlled movement. Keep your elbows relatively close to your body.
- Depth: Lower yourself until your upper arms are roughly parallel to the floor or slightly below if comfortable. The resistance from the band will make it more challenging than a regular push-up.
- Powerful press: Press back up to the starting plank position, extending your elbows fully, and using your chest and triceps to fight against the band's tension.
- Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions with smooth, focused movements.
Tips:
- Engage your core: Maintain a tight core throughout to protect your lower back and increase power.
- Resist the band: Focus on controlling the band's pull as you lower and press back up.
- Breathe: Exhale as you push up, inhale as you descend.
Common mistakes: Letting the band snap the arms back and allowing the hips to sag or the lower back to arch.
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