The decline push-up is a variation of the classic push-up exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Unlike a traditional push-up where the hands are placed on the ground, in a decline push-up, the feet are elevated, placing more weight on the upper body and increasing the difficulty of the exercise.
Increased chest activation: The decline angle places more emphasis on the upper portion of the chest, making it a great exercise for building chest strength and definition.
Greater range of motion: By elevating the feet, the decline push-up allows for a greater range of motion, which can lead to increased muscle activation and growth.
Improved shoulder and tricep strength: The decline push-up also targets the shoulders and triceps, making it an effective exercise for overall upper body strength and development.
Increased core stability: In order to maintain proper form during the exercise, the core muscles must engage to keep the body in a straight line.
How to Do a Decline Push-Up
Assume a plank position with your feet elevated on a bench, step, or other elevated surface.
Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on the ground and engage your core and glutes.
Bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the ground, keeping your elbows close to your body.
Pause at the bottom of the movement, then push yourself back up to the starting position.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
When performing decline push-ups, it's important to maintain proper form and avoid sagging or arching the back. If you find the exercise too difficult, you can modify it by placing your feet on a lower surface or performing the exercise with your knees on the ground.
Overall, the decline push-up is a challenging and effective exercise for building upper body strength and muscle definition. Incorporate it into your workout routine to add variety and challenge to your push-up routine.