Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push
Stretch & strengthen! This Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push targets chest, shoulders, & legs for better flexibility & strength.
The Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push is a compound exercise that mainly works the chest and shoulders, with help from the traps and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push Muscles Worked
Primary
Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head); Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid)
Secondary
Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push
Starting Position:
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Ensure your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
Keep your core engaged and your shoulders relaxed.
Arm Position:
Raise both arms to shoulder height in front of you, palms facing each other.
Cross your arms, so your right arm is above your left arm.
Bend your elbows slightly and keep your hands in a prayer position (palms together).
Movement:
Slowly bend your knees while keeping your back straight, lowering your body into a slight squat.
As you squat down, maintain the prayer position with your arms crossed in front.
Push your elbows forward gently, creating a slight stretch in your shoulders and chest.
Return to Starting Position:
Press through your heels and rise back to the starting position, straightening your legs.
Uncross your arms and return them to your side as you stand upright.
Repetitions:
Repeat the squat and arm movements for 8-12 repetitions, focusing on maintaining proper form.
Tips:
Keep your head up and look straight ahead throughout the movement.
Avoid letting your knees go beyond your toes while squatting.
Control your movements to prevent injury and maximize effectiveness.
Cooldown:
After completing your set, shake out your arms and legs to relax any tension.
This exercise targets your shoulders, chest, and legs, and is great for improving flexibility and strength.
Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push FAQs
What muscles does the Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push work?
The Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push mainly works the chest and shoulders, with help from the traps and core. The main muscles are the pectoralis major and lateral deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push?
None. The Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push 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 Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Slight-Bend Top Cross-Over & Prayer Push variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Criss-Cross Arm Prayer Push, Elbow Prayer Push Draw Circle, Elbow Lift to Prayer Push and Prayer Push.
Training calculators
Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.





