Pike push-up
Shoulders · Bodyweight · also triceps (back of the arms) and upper chest
Set up
Floor space and a mat.
Steps
- Start in a push-up position, hands a little wider than your shoulders.
- Walk your feet in and lift your hips high, so your body makes an upside-down V.
- Bend your elbows to lower the top of your head towards the floor between your hands.
- Push back up until your arms are straight.
Keep in mind
- Keep your hips high
- Elbows angle back, not straight out
- Lower slowly, taking about two seconds
Common mistake
Dropping your hips into a normal push-up. Keep them high so your shoulders do the work.
Safety
Your head goes lower than your heart. Skip it if that makes you dizzy, and lower slowly so your head never bumps the floor.
Stop and rest if you feel chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath or sharp joint pain. Get medical help if it doesn't settle.