Incline Shoulder-Tap
Strengthen your core & shoulders with Incline Shoulder-Taps! A great plank variation for stability & upper body strength.
The Incline Shoulder-Tap is a compound exercise that mainly works the chest and shoulders, with help from the traps and core. You'll need: incline bench.
Required Equipment
Incline Shoulder-Tap Muscles Worked
Primary
Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head); Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid)
Secondary
Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Obliques
Incline Shoulder-Tap Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Incline Shoulder-Tap
Instructions for Incline Shoulder Tap:
Place a bench in front of you and assume a high plank position with your hands placed on the bench slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Ensure that your body forms a straight line from your heels to your head, engaging your core to keep your hips from sagging or piking up.
Shift your weight to your left hand and lift your right hand off the bench.
Tap your right hand to your left shoulder while keeping your core engaged and minimizing any rocking of the hips.
Return your right hand to the bench and stabilize your position.
Repeat the movement on the opposite side, lifting your left hand to tap your right shoulder.
Continue alternating taps for the desired number of repetitions and sets.
Tips:
Keep your movements controlled; avoid rushing the taps.
Try to maintain a straight and stable body posture throughout the exercise.
To increase the difficulty, you can slow down the tapping motion or add a push-up between the taps.
Ensure your wrists, elbows, and shoulders are aligned when in the plank position on the bench.
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Incline Shoulder-Tap FAQs
What muscles does the Incline Shoulder-Tap work?
The Incline Shoulder-Tap mainly works the chest and shoulders, with help from the traps and core. The main muscles are the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Incline Shoulder-Tap?
Incline bench.
Is the Incline Shoulder-Tap 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 Shoulder-Tap go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Incline Shoulder-Tap variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Chest Tap Push-Up, Decline Shoulder-Tap, Against-Wall Handstand Shoulder-Tap and High Shoulder-Tap Plank.
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