Press-up
Rigid plank, chest to fist height from floor.
How to do it →Press-up vs Wall Press-up
Both train your chest. Here's how they differ, and when to pick each one.
Wall Press-up
Hands on the wall at chest height, lean in, push away.
How to do it →Side by side
| Press-up | Wall Press-up | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit | Bodyweight | Bodyweight |
| Main muscles | Chest | Chest |
| Also works | Triceps, Front Delts, Core | Triceps, Front Delts |
| Bench needed | No | No |
| One side at a time | No | No |
| Works at home | Yes, no kit | Yes, no kit |
| Starting load | Your bodyweight | Your bodyweight |
How each one feels
Press-up
- Lower your chest towards the floor, elbows at about 45°.
- Stop a fist's height from the floor.
- Push back up, keeping your hips in line.
Watch out for: Hips sagging.
Wall Press-up
- Bend your elbows and lean your chest towards the wall.
- Push back to straight arms.
- Step further away to make it harder.
Watch out for: Sagging hips.
Press-up: pros and cons
- + No kit needed, so you can do it anywhere.
- + Also works your triceps and front delts.
- − Harder to add weight in small steps as you get stronger.
- − Can be awkward if your wrist needs looking after.
Wall Press-up: pros and cons
- + No kit needed, so you can do it anywhere.
- + Also works your triceps and front delts.
- − Harder to add weight in small steps as you get stronger.
Which should you pick?
- Pick Press-up if you train at home, travel a lot, or want something you can do anywhere.
- Pick Wall Press-up if you train at home, travel a lot, or want something you can do anywhere.
- Press-up needs no kit, so it's great at home or when the gym's packed.
- Wall Press-up needs no kit, so it's great at home or when the gym's packed.
- Honestly? Both work. The best one is the one you'll do consistently and add a little to each week.
Not sure which suits you? Your Gyde picks for you, then swaps it when you outgrow it.
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