Skip to main content

Scapular Push-Ups

Set up in a high plank or push-up position with your hands under your shoulders, arms fully straight and your body in a rigid line. Without bending your elbows, let your chest sink slightly as you squeeze your shoulder blades together to retract them. Then press the floor away and spread your shoulder blades apart, pushing your upper back toward the ceiling to protract them. Keep your elbows locked and your core tight so the movement comes only from the scapulae.

BACK · PUSH

Scapular Push-Ups: how the movement is executed

How it is executed

  1. Set up in a high plank or push-up position with your hands under your shoulders, arms fully straight and your body in a rigid line.
  2. Without bending your elbows, let your chest sink slightly as you squeeze your shoulder blades together to retract them.
  3. Then press the floor away and spread your shoulder blades apart, pushing your upper back toward the ceiling to protract them.
  4. Keep your elbows locked and your core tight so the movement comes only from the scapulae.
Muscles worked
Back
Primary muscle
Mid back
Equipment
Bodyweight
Movement pattern
Push
Difficulty
Intermediate
What it is for
StrengthStability

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