The suspended push-up is a challenging variation of the traditional push-up performed using a suspension trainer. This exercise increases instability, requiring greater core engagement and upper body strength.
Quick Facts
How to Do Suspended Push-up
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Suspended Push-up with proper form and technique.
- Find a suspension trainer and adjust it to an appropriate height.
- Stand facing away from the anchor point and hold the handles with an overhand grip.
- Walk your feet forward, leaning your body forward until your weight is supported by the suspension trainer.
- Keep your body straight from head to heels, engage your core, and lower your chest towards the handles.
- Push through your chest and arms to return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Suspended Push-up targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Suspended Push-up
Incorporating Suspended Push-up into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Pectorals Development: Suspended Push-up directly targets and strengthens the Pectorals, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Triceps, Shoulders, and Core, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Suspended Push-up build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Advanced Training Stimulus: This challenging exercise provides the intensity needed for experienced athletes to continue making progress.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Suspended Push-up safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Suspended Push-up, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Pectorals and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Shoulder Protection: Avoid flaring your elbows excessively, which can strain the shoulder joint. Keep your shoulders packed and stable.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Pectorals typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Suspended Push-up, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.