Reverse Push-Ups

Muscles worked: Chest, Back · Also: Shoulders, Biceps

Reverse Push-Ups are a behind-the-body pressing move: with your back to a low surface and hands on it behind you, you bend and straighten your elbows to lower and lift your body.

Keep your shoulders down and back, and bend the elbows only to a comfortable depth — going too deep strains the front of the shoulder. This variation works the chest and back from an unusual angle, so start with a small range.

How to do it

1. Sit with your back to a low surface and place your hands on it behind you, fingers pointing toward your body.
2. Walk your feet out and bend your elbows to lower your body with control.
3. Bend only to a comfortable depth — going too deep strains the front of the shoulder.
4. Press back up through your palms, keeping your shoulders down and back.
5. Start with a small range; this variation works the chest and back from an unusual angle.

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General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.