Reverse-Grip Incline Push-Up
An incline push-up with the hands on a bar, palms facing up, which keeps the elbows tucked and shifts more of the work to the upper chest and triceps.
Primary muscles
- Chest (Pectoralis Major)
Secondary muscles
- Triceps
- Front Delts
- Abs (Rectus Abdominis)
- Sets
- 3
- Reps
- 8–15
- Rest
- 60s
How to perform
Main muscles working (thicker lines)
Starting position
Set a Smith machine bar at about hip height, grip it palms up at shoulder width and walk your feet back until your body is straight and your arms are extended.
Brace the core and squeeze the glutes.
Bend the elbows to lower the chest to the bar, keeping the elbows close to your sides.
Touch or nearly touch the bar with the lower chest.
Press back up to straight arms.
Breathing: Inhale as you lower, exhale as you press up.
Coaching tips
Elbows in
Chest to the bar
Straight line head to heels
Common mistakes
Letting the elbows flare
Hips sagging
Wrists bending back under the load
Safety notes
Lock the bar securely, and set it higher if the underhand grip strains your wrists.
This information is general fitness guidance, not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and consult a qualified professional.