Incline Push Up: How-to, Tips & More

The Incline Push Up is a beginner compound exercise for your chest. You do it with chair. It is a good fit when your goal is muscle growth.

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 Incline Push Up

  1. Place your hands on the edge of a sturdy chair or bench, a little wider than your shoulders.
  2. Walk your feet back until your body is straight.
  3. Lower your chest to the edge.
  4. Push back up until your arms are straight.

Incline Push Up tips

  • Put the chair against a wall so it cannot slide.
  • A lower surface makes it harder.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 10 to 20 reps per set, and 10 to 20 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

Chair

Type

Compound

Incline Push Up alternatives

More chest exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Incline Push Up work?

The Incline 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 10 to 20 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 10 to 20 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Incline Push Up good for beginners?

Yes. The Incline Push Up is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Incline Push Up?

You need chair.

Incline Push Up demonstration

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