The close-grip push-up (on knees) is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the triceps, with secondary emphasis on the chest and shoulders. It is performed from a kneeling position, making it more accessible for beginners and those building upper body strength.
Quick Facts
How to Do Close-grip Push-up (on Knees)
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Close-grip Push-up (on Knees) with proper form and technique.
- Start by getting on your hands and knees, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart.
- Lower your upper body towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides.
- Pause for a moment when your chest is just above the ground.
- Push through your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Close-grip Push-up (on Knees) targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Close-grip Push-up (on Knees)
Incorporating Close-grip Push-up (on Knees) into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Triceps Development: Close-grip Push-up (on Knees) directly targets and strengthens the Triceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Chest and Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Close-grip Push-up (on Knees) build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Beginner-Friendly: This exercise is accessible to those new to fitness, with a movement pattern that's relatively easy to learn with proper instruction.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Close-grip Push-up (on Knees) safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Close-grip Push-up (on Knees), complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Triceps and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Triceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Close-grip Push-up (on Knees), track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.