Skip to main content

Deficit Push-Ups

Place your hands on two parallettes, low handles, or raised supports so they sit above the floor. Lower your chest down between the handles, sinking below hand level to gain a deeper stretch than a standard push-up. Pause briefly at the bottom, then press explosively back to full lockout. Keep your body in a rigid line from head to heels and elbows tracking around 45 degrees.

CHEST · PUSH

How it is executed

  1. Place your hands on two parallettes, low handles, or raised supports so they sit above the floor.
  2. Lower your chest down between the handles, sinking below hand level to gain a deeper stretch than a standard push-up.
  3. Pause briefly at the bottom, then press explosively back to full lockout.
  4. Keep your body in a rigid line from head to heels and elbows tracking around 45 degrees.
Muscles worked
Chest
Primary muscle
Mid chest
Equipment
Bodyweight
Movement pattern
Push
Difficulty
Intermediate
What it is for
StrengthHypertrophy

Program your clients' routines from these exercises, without the spreadsheet.