Clap Push Up: How-to, Tips & More

The Clap Push Up is a advanced compound exercise for your chest. You do it with bodyweight. It is a good fit when your goal is strength.

Besides the chest, it also works your triceps, shoulders and core, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Chest muscle

Chest

Primary

Triceps muscle

Triceps

Secondary

Shoulders muscle

Shoulders

Secondary

Core muscle

Core

Secondary

How to do the Clap Push Up

  1. Start in a push-up position.
  2. Lower your chest, then push up as hard as you can so your hands leave the floor.
  3. Clap once and land with soft elbows.
  4. Go straight into the next rep.

Clap Push Up tips

  • Land on the heels of your hands, not your fingers.
  • Stop the set when the push loses height.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 5 to 10 reps per set, and 5 to 10 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles.

Equipment

Bodyweight

Type

Compound

Clap Push Up alternatives

More chest exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Clap Push Up work?

The Clap Push Up mainly works your chest, with help from your triceps, shoulders and core.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 5 to 10 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 5 to 10 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Clap Push Up good for beginners?

It is rated advanced, so it is better to build a base with simpler movements first and add it when your technique is solid.

What equipment do I need for the Clap Push Up?

You need bodyweight.

Clap Push Up demonstration

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