Workout Type:
Push
Difficulty Level:
Beginner
Equipment needed:
Wall, Floor

How to Do Hip Height Incline Push-ups

Hip height incline push-ups are a variation of the traditional push-up that involves elevating your hands on a surface at hip height. This exercise targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps while reducing the load compared to a standard push-up, making it suitable for beginners or those looking to focus on form.

Step By Step Guide to Properly Execute Hip Height Incline Push-ups

  1. Starting Position
    • Stand facing a sturdy surface at hip height, such as a bench or table. Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the surface, ensuring your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
  2. Execution
    • Lower your chest towards the surface by bending your elbows, keeping them at a 45-degree angle to your body. Maintain a straight line from head to heels throughout the movement.
  3. Top Position
    • Pause briefly when your chest is close to the surface, ensuring your body remains aligned and your core is engaged.
  4. Lowering Phase
    • Push through your palms to extend your elbows and return to the starting position, maintaining control and alignment.

Benefits of Hip Height Incline Push-ups

  • Improves upper body strength, particularly in the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
  • Enhances core stability and balance.
  • Offers a scalable option for those building up to full push-ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Allowing hips to sag or rise, which can lead to poor form and reduced effectiveness. Keep your body in a straight line.
  • Flaring elbows too wide, which can strain the shoulders. Keep elbows at a 45-degree angle.
  • Rushing through the movement, which can compromise form. Perform each rep with control.

Follow these steps and tips to master hip height incline push-ups with proper form and efficiency.

FAQ About Hip Height Incline Push-ups

How many hip height incline push ups should I do per set?

10-15 reps, 3-4 sets. The incline makes these easier than floor push-ups, so higher reps work well. If you can do 15 comfortably, lower the surface height. Progress from hip height to knee height to floor over 4-6 weeks.

What surface height should I use for incline push ups?

Hip height is about 90-100cm, like a kitchen counter or sturdy table. The higher the surface, the easier the exercise. Start at hip height if regular push-ups are too hard, then work down to knee height, then to the floor as you get stronger.

Are hip height incline push ups good for beginners?

One of the best starting points. They teach the push-up movement pattern with reduced load, which is better than knee push-ups because you maintain the full plank position. I start all my beginner athletes here before progressing to lower surfaces.

What muscles do hip height incline push ups work?

Chest, front delts, and triceps, same as regular push-ups but with less bodyweight load. The higher angle shifts slightly more work to the lower chest compared to flat push-ups. Core still works to maintain the plank position throughout the movement.

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