The goal with Push-up Plus is simple—make every repetition look repeatable from the same stable start. The exercise mainly trains serratus anterior, while hip flexors and core stabilizers help support and control the movement. You will use your bodyweight while working from a floor-supported.
What makes a good Push-up Plus repetition?
Keep the ribs and pelvis organized so the trunk—not momentum—controls the rep. The movement has a clear, scalable pattern. Start light, learn the positions in order, and progress only while every repetition remains controlled.
Muscles worked
Primary
Serratus anterior
These muscles should carry most of the intended work when the setup and movement path stay consistent.
Supporting
Hip flexors and Core stabilizers
These muscles assist the movement or help keep the rest of your position steady.
Set up before you move
Start from a floor-supported. Use the prescribed grip: bodyweight or no external grip. No external equipment is required.
Step-by-step tutorial
How to do Push-up Plus
- 1
Set the starting position
Set the Push-up Plus position. Keep a straight line from head through heels with hands slightly wider than the shoulders. Brace the trunk and point the elbows diagonally back rather than directly sideways.
Breathing: Breathe steadily; do not hold your breath.
- 2
Perform the effort phase
Inhale and bend the elbows to lower the chest or head along the path while the shoulder blades move naturally and the body remains rigid.
Breathing: Inhale through the controlled return.
- 3
Control the end position
Stop at the deepest pain-free position that preserves shoulder control, wrist alignment, and the body line.
Breathing: Breathe steadily; do not hold your breath.
- 4
Return under control
Exhale and press the floor away until the elbows are straight without forceful lockout or loss of trunk position.
Breathing: Exhale through the effort.
Common mistakes to avoid
Starting before the setup is stable
Do not rush the first position. Set the Push-up Plus position. Keep a straight line from head through heels with hands slightly wider than the shoulders. Brace the trunk and point the elbows diagonally back rather than directly sideways. Make that setup feel repeatable before adding speed or resistance.
Letting the working position drift
Keep your floor-supported setup consistent through the rep and maintain the bodyweight or no external grip. If another part of the body has to swing or twist, reduce the load or range.
Rushing the return
The return is part of the exercise, not a pause between efforts. Exhale and press the floor away until the elbows are straight without forceful lockout or loss of trunk position.
Forcing a range you cannot control
Use the Push-up Plus setup, maintain controlled joint alignment, and stop if the movement causes pain.
Sets, reps, and rest
Start with 2–4 sets of 10–15 smooth repetitions. Rest 45–90 seconds between sets. Use enough resistance to feel the target muscles without shortening the range or borrowing momentum from the rest of your body.
Treat this as a starting framework. Your load and volume should match your current technique, recovery, and training plan.
Push-up Plus questions
Is Push-up Plus suitable for beginners?
Push-up Plus is classified as a beginner-level movement in this guide. The movement has a clear, scalable pattern. Start light, learn the positions in order, and progress only while every repetition remains controlled.
What muscles does Push-up Plus work?
Push-up Plus primarily works serratus anterior, with hip flexors and core stabilizers assisting or stabilizing the movement.
What equipment do I need for Push-up Plus?
Push-up Plus is a bodyweight exercise and does not require external equipment.
