The push-up with the hands wide on a bench or other sturdy support: raising the hands puts less force through them than the floor push-up, and the incline push-up worked the shoulder least of six variations. A wide hand position asks less of the triceps than a close one.
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Push-up family
Wide incline push-up
Easier option
These tiers compare demands within this family, not universal safety or a mandatory sequence. Load, range, balance and your circumstances can change difficulty. Choose deliberately; pain does not select a progression.
The push-up with the hands wide on a bench or other sturdy support: raising the hands puts less force through them than the floor push-up, and the incline push-up worked the shoulder least of six variations. A wide hand position asks less of the triceps than a close one.
DemandEasy
Equipment requiredBodyweight + Other / check instructions
Muscle focusChest · Triceps · Shoulders · Abs
The figure gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.
Watch this variation on the 3D figure above: it gets into position, then repeats the movement.
Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.
How to move
Place the hands wider than the shoulders on a sturdy bench, the body in one line from head to heels.
Lower the chest toward the bench, the elbows bending out to the sides.
Push back up to straight arms.
Form cues
Keep the hips in line.
A higher surface makes it easier.
Practice and cautions
No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.
This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5