Push-ups are one of those must-have exercises that will never go out of style. I mean, history speaks for itself! This body-weight movement dates all the way back to the Holy Roman Empire, where warriors would use this exercise to train for battle. The pushup has stood the test of time, and for good reason.
Aside from being an easily adaptable exercise that’s beneficial for all body types, the pushup is one of the most effective exercises for building both strength and muscular endurance in your entire body. However, we can all admit that they’re hard! And while it may be tempting to skip this grueling exercise for something a little “nicer”… you’d be doing your workout (and body) a disservice! So, before you throw in the towel, hear us out — there are ways to modify your movement for whatever you’re needing in the moment while still getting all the benefits. Whether you need to dial down the intensity, accommodate an injury, or just want to isolate a specific muscle group, you can meet your needs by calling on pushup alternatives! And lucky for you, we’re breaking down the most effective ones. These push-up alternatives will help you build the strength (and courage) to crush a set (or two or three with ease) while replicating all the benefits of the traditional movement.
What is a Push-Up?
If you’re not familiar with the push-up, this breakdown is for you. A push-up is a calisthenic, or bodyweight, exercise starting in a straight arm plank position. Though there are many variations, the traditional version requires you to maintain a straight body position as you bend your arms to at least a 90-degree angle, bringing your body towards the ground and then pushing back up.
What Muscle Groups Do Push-Ups Work?
The better question would be, “What muscle groups don’t the push-up work?” The push-up mainly targets the upper body and core, including the muscles in the chest, back, shoulders, arms, and abdomen. However, because it requires you to hold a plank position, it also recruits the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
Of course, there are ways to modify a pushup based on your needs (for example if you’re pregnant or a beginner), which will, in turn, alter the muscles recruited. And if you’re looking to amp up the intensity, you can isolate specific muscle groups for a deeper burn by performing different push-up variations. For example, cranking out a set of narrow push-ups will burn out your triceps and chest, while wide push-ups are a great variation to target your shoulders.
Why Are Push-Ups So Challenging?
Muscular Endurance Meets Strength
You’d think that an exercise that requires no additional resistance other than your body weight wouldn’t be so tough. But when all your major muscle groups are being activated at once in a dynamic plank position, it turns up the burn. Your arms aren’t the only thing holding you up; your entire body is activated in order to hold form. And that takes work! More energy (or calories) are required, which means you’re not only going to feel this in your muscles, your heart rate will also increase.
With that said, mastering this move takes time. There’s absolutely no shame in modifying! In fact, calling on pushup alternatives can help you avoid injury, build greater strength, and nail your form. And doesn’t that sound like a win?
Coordination is Key
There’s also a level of coordination — you need to make sure your body is staying in one straight line from your head to your feet, hips don’t go up to the ceiling, or your back doesn’t arch towards the ground, all while you’re focusing on bending and straightening your arms under the weight of your body. This is why you need to have enough core strength to execute a proper push-up (and avoid injury). What makes this exercise so effective is also what makes it very hard.
How Do You Do a Push-up?
You’ve most likely seen someone perform a push-up, but how’s it really done? Let’s break it down:
Step #1: Start in a straight-arm plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders. You should be up on the balls of your toes.
Step #2: Get your body into the proper position by pulling your belly button into your spine to engage your core, squeezing your glutes to ensure your back stays straight, and look lightly down and in front of you to get your neck in alignment.
Step #3: Keeping this position, take a deep inhale as you bend your elbows to at least 90-degrees.
Step #4: Pushing through the palm of your hands, release a big exhale as you activate your pectoralis muscles in your chest to straighten your arms back to your starting position.
Step #5: If you can just do one, great! You did it! Work your way up to doing 3 sets of 10 reps with a 30 to 60-second break between each set.
7 Effective Push-Up Alternatives
Want some push-up alternatives that work similar muscle groups while helping you tone and build strength? Here are some great alternatives to consider adding to your fitness routine.
Modified Push-Up/Knee Push-Up
One of the most basic push-up alternatives is simply a modified version, where you are kneeling. If you’re new to pushups, this is a great starting point that can help you train your way up to doing the real thing! However, they’re not just for beginners — modified push-ups can benefit anyone looking to build upper body strength (especially your pecs, shoulders, and triceps).
Here’s how to do a modified push-up: Kneel on a mat with your hands shoulder-width apart on the mat in front of you. Tighten your core as you bend your arms and lower your chest down and then press back up — this is one rep. Be sure to focus on form vs. speed here.
High Plank
Planks are another amazing push-up alternative that can also help build shoulder, core, and upper back strength. Planks are also a great way to help support balance.
Once in high plank position, hold for 15-30 seconds, rest, and repeat 2-3 times.
Want to perfect plank form? Try this Plank Challenge class with Vytas.
Forearm Plank
This movement is nearly identical to the high plank, but it takes pressure off your wrists. This makes it easier to maintain proper alignment, which can be helpful when you’re first starting out. But… don’t be fooled. You’re still going to get a major burn, especially in your abs! So, if you’re looking to strengthen your transverse abdominis and nail your form, this exercise is for you.
To perform a forearm plank, start in a traditional plank position. Then, slowly lower onto your forearms keeping your arms parallel and palms facing down. Engage your arms and your glutes while maintaining a straight line and hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.
Sun Salutations
If you dread the thought of a push-up but love to ground down with a calming yoga flow, we’ve got good news — you can get all of the muscle-sculpting benefits of a push-up by flowing through a few sets of sun salutations. This yoga sequence — high plank to chaturanga (aka the yogi push-up) to up dog to down dog — will not only strengthen the same muscles as a push-up, but it will also open your chest, decompress your spine, and soothe stress.
Don’t know where to start? Try this Simple Flow with Vytas.
Dumbbell Chest Press
This classic strength exercise will still strengthen your shoulders, chest, and core. To add a level of stability that recruits muscles in your lower body, try doing them with your upper back on a stability ball instead of a bench! You’ll have to activate your glutes and thighs to keep your body in one straight line.
How to do it: Start lying on your back on the floor or a bench, feet planted. Hold one dumbbell in each hand with bent arms just to the sides of your shoulders. Your palms should be facing towards your feet. With a big exhale, press your arms straight up to the ceiling — lower back down to your starting position for one rep.
Mountain Climbers
Mountain Climbers are a great HIIT exercise and push-up alternative that will get your heart rate up and burn some major calories. Since you have to hold a straight arm plank position, you’re also going to feel all your major muscle groups activate.
How to do it: Start in a straight-arm plank position, hips in line with your back. Pull your belly button into your spine and bring your right knee into your chest. Come back through your center plank and repeat on the left. Keep alternating legs as fast as you can.
Rotational Punches
Punching requires multiple muscles in your upper and lower body to activate. It also takes a great amount of core strength to protect your back when performing this exercise. Add in lightweights (if you want), and you’re going to really feel this burner as you burn a ton of calories!
How to do it: Start standing with your dominant foot forward a couple of feet in front of the other in a staggered stance position. Hold one lightweight in each hand. Bring your hands up to your chin, elbows bent and pointing down towards the ground. Pull your abs in to engage your core and start punching one arm forward and the other as fast as you can without losing form. Make sure to not lock out your elbow as you punch forward and keep your shoulders away from your ears!
RELATED: Hate Burpees? Try These 7 Effective Burpee Alternatives
Pushing Yourself Can Be Fun!
If your relationship with push-ups is going to keep you from exercising, push-up alternatives are a great compromise! There’s plenty of other ways to build strength and burn fat. But remember, growth is found outside our comfort zones. Even when you’re deciding which push-up alternative to do, be intentional about challenging yourself — safely. The more you can equate doing something hard with positive benefits later, the more fun and gratifying they’ll start to feel.
Of course, listening to your body is just as important. There’s a big difference between muscular resistance and pain, so if you’re feeling any strain in your body, here is your reminder to take a breath and find an alternative that isn’t too hard on your body.
