Close-Grip Push-Up
A close-grip push-up is a push-up with your hands under your shoulders and elbows tucked in, which moves more of the work onto your triceps.
How it moves
Hands under your shoulders, elbows inTriceps and chest working. A simplified figure, not a full form check.
- Main muscle
- Triceps
- Equipment
- No equipment
- Level
- Intermediate
- Where to start
- 2 to 3 sets of 6 to 15 reps
Written by WellPath FusionLast updated · Published
- Set narrow hands. Start in a push-up with your hands directly under your shoulders, or slightly closer.
- Straight body. Brace your stomach and squeeze your glutes so you are straight from head to heels.
- Lower. Bend your elbows, keeping them tucked close to your sides.
- Go low. Lower until your chest is just above your hands.
- Press. Push back up to straight arms, keeping your elbows in.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Hands touching. Hands too close together can strain the wrists. Under the shoulders is enough.
- Elbows flaring. Keep them brushing your sides.
- Hips sagging. Keep your body in one straight line.
How can you make it easier or harder?
Make it harder
Raise your feet on a step.
Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness or chest discomfort. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have an injury, check with a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise.
Editorial content for general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read more about how we source and review our content.
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