Body-Up

An intermediate strength exercise for the triceps, abs and forearms, with no equipment.

Movement guide

Body-Up

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredBodyweight

Muscle focusTriceps · Abs · Forearms

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Close-grip incline push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClose-grip incline push-upBeginner · Other / check instructions

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

3D demoBody-UpIntermediate · No equipment

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Archer push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoArcher push-upAdvanced · No equipment

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Assume a plank position on the ground. You should be supporting your bodyweight on your toes and forearms, keeping your torso straight. Your forearms should be shoulder-width apart. This will be your starting position.
Pressing your palms firmly into the ground, extend through the elbows to raise your body from the ground. Keep your torso rigid as you perform the movement.
Slowly lower your forearms back to the ground by allowing the elbows to flex.
Repeat.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Triceps. Also: Abs, Forearms.

Equipment

None: body weight and floor space.

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Clap push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClap push-upAdvanced · No equipment

Close-grip push-up (close triceps position) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClose-grip push-up (close triceps position)Intermediate · No equipment

Diamond push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoDiamond push-upIntermediate · No equipment

Feet-elevated push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoFeet-elevated push-upAdvanced · A bench or box

Incline push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoIncline push-upBeginner · A bench or box

Knee push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoKnee push-upBeginner · No equipment

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Body-Up work?

Mainly the triceps, with help from the abs and forearms.

What equipment do I need for the Body-Up?

No equipment: your body weight and a little floor space.

Is the Body-Up good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Close-grip incline push-up.

What is an easier alternative to the Body-Up?

Try the Close-grip incline push-up. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Body-Up harder?

Progress to the Archer push-up, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.