Push-ups primarily work the following muscle groups:
- Chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor) : The main muscles targeted during push-ups, responsible for the pushing motion
- Triceps : Located on the back of the upper arms, these muscles extend the elbows during the push-up
- Shoulders (anterior deltoids) : These muscles help stabilize and assist in the pushing movement
- Core muscles (abdominals and lower back) : Engaged to maintain body alignment and stability throughout the exercise
- Upper back and stabilizing muscles : Including the biceps and muscles around the shoulder blades, which help stabilize the movement
Beyond muscle engagement, push-ups also provide several benefits:
- Build upper body strength by working multiple muscle groups simultaneously
- Improve core stability and overall balance
- Enhance cardiovascular health when performed in higher repetitions or circuits, as they increase heart rate
- Support bone health through resistance training effects
- Improve functional fitness by mimicking everyday pushing movements and enhancing joint stability
- Increase muscular endurance, allowing muscles to perform longer under resistance
In summary, push-ups are a compound exercise that effectively strengthens the chest, triceps, shoulders, core, and upper back while offering cardiovascular and functional fitness benefits
