Sep 8, 2025 · Although push-ups are thought of as a chest exercise, they also work the triceps, anterior deltoids, core muscles, and the pectoralis major and minor. Learn more.

Aug 29, 2025 · Here’s a closer look at which muscles kick into action during push-ups. Your chest muscles—namely the pectoralis major and minor (aka your pecs)—are the main target of push …

Jul 10, 2023 · Though push-ups predominantly target muscles of the upper body, performing them with good form can also strengthen muscles of the core, specifically the abdominal muscles …

Jul 18, 2023 · These are your shoulders, triceps (variations such as close-grip pushups target your tris even more directly). A slow and controlled pushup requires plenty of core stability too, …

Sep 22, 2025 · Push-ups work your chest, shoulders, back, core, and arm muscles. Maintain a straight line with your body and keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle to do a push-up …

Jul 26, 2023 · A person can use a range of pushup types to focus on different sets of muscles. Here, we describe how to do eight types of pushup.

Dec 2, 2025 · Additionally, pushups activate the core muscles, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and lower back, to stabilize the body and maintain proper form. Secondary muscles …

Core Muscles – The abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles work to maintain a rigid plank position, preventing the hips from sagging or rising too high.

May 23, 2025 · Push-ups are a popular bodyweight exercise that targets several upper body muscles, including the chest, triceps, and pectoralis major and minor. The primary muscle …

Dec 5, 2025 · And while the question 'What muscles do push-ups work?' seems simple, the answer reaches far beyond the chest. A standard push-up activates the pecs, shoulders, …