Close Grip Push Up
Push-up with your hands shoulder-width apart and elbows tucked in, for triceps.
- Primary muscleTriceps
- Also worksChest
- EquipmentBodyweight
- TypeCompound
- MovementHorizontal push
- LevelIntermediate
- Triceps
- Chest
- Bodyweight
How to do the Close Grip Push Up
4 steps, in the order you do them.
- Place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower.
- Straighten your legs and keep your body in a straight line.
- Lower your chest with your elbows brushing your torso.
- Push up until your arms are extended.
Muscles worked
Common Close Grip Push Up mistakes
What goes wrong most often when you do the Close Grip Push Up, and how to fix it.
The elbows flare out to the sides on the way down.
Bring your elbows back, brushing your ribs, for the entire descent.
The hands are so close together that the wrists twist.
Place your hands shoulder-width apart with your fingers pointing forward; you don't need them any closer.
You only go halfway down because your triceps tire.
Lower until your chest is close to the floor, and if you can't, drop to your knees to complete the range.
Alternatives to the Close Grip Push Up
They work the triceps with other equipment, including options for training at home.
Log every set and watch your numbers climb.
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More triceps exercises
Diamond Push UpTriceps · Bodyweight
Close Grip Bench PressTriceps · Barbell and bench
Tricep DipTriceps · Parallel bars
TRX Tricep ExtensionTriceps · Bodyweight and other
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Close Grip Push Up work?
The Close Grip Push Up works mainly the triceps. It also works the chest and the front delts.