Push-up

Bodyweight

Also called press-up, pushup

Hold a straight plank with hands under the shoulders, lower the chest toward the floor, then press back to the start.

Movement

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Upper body

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better2.5
Solid; a reasonable default. 2 sources.
- 2/5 Needs 30+ reps near failure, stops at the floor before full stretch, hard to overload; fine for beginners or finishers. Jeff Nippard, The Best And Worst Chest Exercises (Ranked By Science) @ 5:35videoExpert opinion2024checked by AI
- 3/5 Accessible burnout finisher but needs 50+ reps so much effort is wasted before chest feels it; 3 of 5 stars. Jeff Nippard, The Best & Worst Chest Exercises To Build Muscle (Ranked!) @ 1:32videoExpert opinion2022checked by AI