The incline pushup is a bodyweight exercise that targets the upper pectoral muscles by elevating the feet, increasing the difficulty compared to a standard pushup. It also engages the tricep and shoulders as secondary muscles.
Also Works
TricepsShoulders
How to Perform
1
Place your hands on the ground slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your feet elevated on a stable surface.
2
Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, engaging your core muscles.
3
Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
4
Push through your palms to extend your arms and return to the starting position.
5
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Pro Tips
•Place your feet on a bench or elevated surface with your hands on the floor. The higher your feet, the more this targets the upper chest and front delts.
•Keep your core braced and body in a straight line from head to heels. Do not let your hips sag or pike up.
•Lower your chest all the way to the floor with your elbows at a 45-degree angle from your torso, then press up explosively.
Common Mistakes
•Placing the feet too high before building adequate shoulder and chest strength, which can strain the shoulders.
•Letting the hips sag, which stresses the lower back and reduces chest engagement.
•Flaring the elbows straight out to the sides (90 degrees), which puts excessive stress on the shoulder joints.