Incline Close-Grip Push-Up
Target your triceps with this killer push-up variation! Incline Close-Grip Push-Ups build upper body strength.
The Incline Close-Grip Push-Up is a compound exercise that mainly works the chest and triceps, with help from the shoulders and core. You'll need: incline bench.
Required Equipment
Incline Close-Grip Push-Up Muscles Worked
Primary
Chest (pectoralis major, sternal head); Triceps (triceps brachii)
Secondary
Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid); Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Incline Close-Grip Push-Up Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Incline Close-Grip Push-Up
Place an incline bench or a stable surface in front of you that won't move during the exercise.
Stand facing away from the bench and place your hands on the edge of it, slightly closer than shoulder-width apart.
Step back and extend your legs out behind you, so your body is in a straight line and only your hands are on the bench.
Engage your core and keep your body straight. Do not let your hips sag or stick up in the air.
Lower your chest towards the bench by bending your elbows, keeping your arms close to your body to emphasize the triceps.
Push your body back up to the starting position by extending your arms, maintaining the close grip and keeping a rigid body line.
Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout the set.
Tip: Make sure to keep elbows close to your body to target the triceps more effectively. Avoid locking out your elbows completely at the top of the movement to maintain tension on the muscles. Breathe in as you lower your body and exhale as you push back up. Adjust the incline to vary the difficulty; the higher the incline, the easier the push-up.
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Incline Close-Grip Push-Up FAQs
What muscles does the Incline Close-Grip Push-Up work?
The Incline Close-Grip Push-Up mainly works the chest and triceps, with help from the shoulders and core. The main muscles are the pectoralis major and triceps brachii.
What equipment do you need for the Incline Close-Grip Push-Up?
Incline bench.
Is the Incline Close-Grip Push-Up a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Incline Close-Grip Push-Up go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Incline Close-Grip Push-Up variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Barbell Incline Close-Grip Bench Press, Close-Grip Push-Up, Decline Diamond Pike Push-Up and Decline Diamond Push-Up.
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