Exercise library · Chest

How to Do Single-Arm Push-Up

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the single-arm push-up.

How to do it

1. Begin laying prone on the ground. Move yourself into a position supporting your weight on your toes and one arm. Your working arm should be placed directly under the shoulder, fully extended. Your legs should be extended, and for this movement you may need a wider base, placing your feet further apart than in a normal push-up.
2. Maintain good posture, and place your free hand behind your back. This will be your starting position.
3. Lower yourself by allowing the elbow to flex until you touch the ground.
4. Descend slowly, and reverse direction be extending the arm to return to the starting position.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

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Gear for this exercise

Exercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.