How to Do Close Grip Push Up

Close Grip Push Up is a triceps exercise using bodyweight, listed as intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Primary muscle

Triceps

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Intermediate

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Close Grip Push Up

  1. 01Assume a high plank position with the hands placed closer than shoulder-width, directly under the sternum.
  2. 02Lower the chest toward the hands by bending the elbows, keeping the core and glutes rigid.
  3. 03Stop when the chest is an inch from the floor, ensuring the elbows do not flare outward.
  4. 04Push through the palms to return to the starting position, lock the elbows, and exhale.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Close Grip Push Up

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

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Primary movers

  • Triceps Straightens the elbow to push weight away.

Stabilisers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.
  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Keep the elbows tucked tight against the ribcage throughout the descent to maximize tension on the triceps.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Close Grip Push Up questions

What muscles does Close Grip Push Up work?

Close Grip Push Up is catalogued as a triceps exercise in A90 Training Club, with the triceps as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Close Grip Push Up correctly?

Assume a high plank position with the hands placed closer than shoulder-width, directly under the sternum. Lower the chest toward the hands by bending the elbows, keeping the core and glutes rigid. Stop when the chest is an inch from the floor, ensuring the elbows do not flare outward. Push through the palms to return to the starting position, lock the elbows, and exhale.

What is the A90 coach tip for Close Grip Push Up?

Keep the elbows tucked tight against the ribcage throughout the descent to maximize tension on the triceps.

Is Close Grip Push Up suitable for beginners?

Close Grip Push Up is rated intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Do you need equipment for Close Grip Push Up?

No. Close Grip Push Up is listed as a bodyweight movement in the A90 catalogue, so you can train it with no kit.

A90 Intelligence

Put this into a real plan.

A90 Intelligence programmes close grip push up into a 30, 60 or 90 day plan built around your equipment, then adjusts it as you train.

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