Chest

Kneeling Push Ups

Kneeling push-ups are a simplified version of classic push-ups, where the knees stay on the ground to reduce intensity. This exercise strengthens the chest, triceps, and shoulders and is especially suitable for beginners or as a gentle reintroduction after an injury.

In addition, kneeling push-ups are an excellent preparatory exercise for regular push-ups: anyone able to do more than 20 clean reps can progress to the next level, negative push-ups. This helps build a solid foundation for gradually transitioning to classic push-ups.

Kneeling Push Ups - the correct execution

  • Start in the push-up position with knees on the floor
  • Place hands shoulder width apart
  • Make sure the torso is firm and push the lower back out upwards (PPT)
  • Bend the elbows and lower the chest towards the floor
  • Press upwards until arms are fully extended

The exercise Kneeling Push Ups is intended to be used as a hypertrophy exercise.

Which muscles are trained by Kneeling Push Ups?

Primary trained muscles for Kneeling Push Ups

  • Chest - The pectoralis major muscle is the large muscle on your chest. It helps you bring your arm towards your body and rotate it inward.

Secondary trained muscles for Kneeling Push Ups

  • Triceps - The triceps brachii muscle is located at the back of your upper arm. It extends your arm at the elbow and also helps move the arm backward.

  • Front Delts - The front part of the deltoid muscle, also known as the anterior shoulder, is located at the front of the shoulder. It is primarily involved in the forward movement of the arm, such as lifting the arm forward. It also assists in the internal rotation of the arm. This muscle is engaged in activities that involve lifting objects in front of the body or pushing forward.

Calisthenics training, developed by sports scientists and optimized by smart algorithms, for your best workout.

Over 1000 five-star reviews on App Store and Google Play.

Download on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Alternative variants of Kneeling Push Ups:

Kneeling Push Ups with gym rings

Kneeling push-ups on rings are slightly more challenging than the floor variation, as the range of motion is greater and the instability of the rings makes the exercise more difficult.

Necessary equipment

Kneeling Push Ups with gym rings - the correct execution

  • Start on the knees
  • Lean into the rings with arms outstretched
  • Bend the elbows and lower the chest towards the floor
  • The rings are still close to the body
  • Pay attention to an active core
  • Extend the arms slowly into the starting position

Kneeling Push Ups with parallettes

Kneeling push-ups on parallettes offer more stability, but the elevated grip position increases the range of motion. This provides a deeper stretch in the chest muscles and enhances shoulder mobility.

Necessary equipment

Kneeling Push Ups with parallettes - the correct execution

  • Place the parallettes shoulder-width apart and start in the push-up position with knees on the floor.
  • Make sure the torso is firm and push the lower back out upwards (PPT)
  • Bend the elbows and lower the chest towards the floor
  • Place knees on the floor and press back into push-up position

Kneeling Bulgarian Push Ups with gym rings

The kneeling Bulgarian push-ups on rings combine the instability of the rings with an increased chest stretch. By spreading the arms outward, the chest is placed in a deep stretch, intensifying the exercise.

Necessary equipment

Kneeling Bulgarian Push Ups with gym rings - the correct execution

  • Start in the push-up position
  • Bend the elbows and lower the chest towards the floor
  • Move the rings away to the side at the level of the shoulders
  • Extend the arms completely
  • Keep maximum tension in the abs
  • Press your lower back upwards (PPT)

Similar exercises to Kneeling Push Ups

Chest

Explosive Push Ups

Explosive push-ups are a dynamic variation of the classic push-up and are particularly suitable for athletes looking to improve their explosiveness. During the exercise, the body is pushed upwards so powerfully during the upward movement that the hands briefly leave the ground. This primarily trains the chest, triceps, and front shoulders, while also increasing speed strength and explosiveness.

Read article
Chest

Push Ups on the rings

Ring push ups are an excellent exercise for the chest muscles. Since the rings move freely in space, the chest can be stretched and contracted more effectively during the push up. In other words, we have a greater range of motion compared to regular push ups on the floor. Additionally, we have observed that many people who experience shoulder pain with push ups on the floor can perform push ups on the rings without pain.

Read article
Chest

Cobra Push Ups

Cobra push-ups are one of the simplest push-up variations for beginners. They’re even easier than knee push-ups, as the movement involves pushing up in a way that resembles a cobra rising. The name comes from the way the upper spine lifts first, followed gradually by the rest of the body—much like a snake raising itself. A common myth suggests that this movement is a sign of improper form. While that may be true if done unintentionally, here it is a purposeful technique and therefore correct. A similar back position can also be seen in the ring cobra stretch.

Cobra push-ups are thus an excellent introductory exercise for beginners learning classic push-ups, while also promoting flexibility and strengthening the lower back.

Read article