Press Ups

Free Weights: Yes Weight Machine: No

A press up, also known as a push up, is a common strength training exercise performed in a prone position, lying horizontal and face down, raising and lowering the body using the arms.

In the "full press up", the back and legs are straight and off the floor.

Several variations are possible. These include bringing the thumbs and index fingers of both hands together (a "diamond pressup") as well as having the elbows point towards the knees. These two variations are intended to put greater emphasis on the triceps rather than the shoulder and chest muscles.

When both hands are unbalanced or on uneven surfaces, this exercise also works the body core.

Raising the feet or hands onto elevated surfaces during the exercise emphasize the upper and lower pectorals, respectively.