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Push-up (wall)

The wall push-up is a beginner-friendly variation of the traditional push-up, performed standing and pressing against a wall. It primarily targets the pectorals, with secondary emphasis on the triceps and shoulders. This exercise is ideal for those new to strength training or individuals seeking a low-impact alternative to floor push-ups.

Quick Facts

Body PartsChest
Target MusclesPectorals
Secondary MusclesTriceps and Shoulders
EquipmentBody Weight
DifficultyBeginner
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralYes

How to Do Push-up (wall)

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Push-up (wall) with proper form and technique.

  1. Stand facing a wall, about arm's length away.
  2. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Step back with your feet, keeping them hip-width apart.
  4. Engage your core and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  5. Bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the wall, keeping your body straight.
  6. Pause for a moment, then push yourself back to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Push-up (wall) 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.

Pectorals

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

TricepsShoulders

Benefits of Push-up (wall)

Incorporating Push-up (wall) into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Pectorals Development: Push-up (wall) directly targets and strengthens the Pectorals, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Triceps 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 Push-up (wall) 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 Push-up (wall) safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Push-up (wall), complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Pectorals 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.
  • Shoulder Protection: Avoid flaring your elbows excessively, which can strain the shoulder joint. Keep your shoulders packed and 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 Pectorals 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 Push-up (wall), track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

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