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Incline Scapula Push up

Incline Scapula Push up demonstration

Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.

Incline Scapula Push up exercise demonstration for Chest, Body weight

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Incline Scapula Push up

Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.

  • Retract your scapula by squeezing your shoulder blades together and allowing your chest to sink towards the ground without bending your elbows.
  • Push your body back up by spreading your shoulder blades apart, still without bending your elbows.
  • Keep your core engaged and your body in a straight line throughout the movement.
  • Repeat this for the desired amount of reps, ensuring you maintain good form.

Tips for Performing Incline Scapula Push up

Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.

  • Control your Movement: Avoid rushing through the movement. Instead, lower your body slowly and in a controlled manner, allowing your shoulder blades to squeeze together. Then, push your body back up while spreading your shoulder blades apart. This controlled movement not only helps to avoid injury, but also maximizes the effectiveness of the exercise.
  • Keep your Core Engaged: To get the most out of the incline scapula push up, it's important to engage your core throughout the entire exercise. This not only helps to stabilize your body, but also intensifies the workout and targets more muscle groups.
  • Avoid Locking

Can beginners do the Incline Scapula Push up?

A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.

Yes, beginners can do the Incline Scapula Push Up exercise. It is actually a great exercise for beginners because it helps to build strength in the upper body, particularly the shoulders and upper back. The incline position makes the exercise less intense than a regular push up, making it more manageable for those who are just starting out. However, as with any new exercise, it's important to start slow, use proper form, and gradually increase intensity to avoid injury.

What are common variations of the Incline Scapula Push up?

Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.

  • Single Arm Incline Scapula Push Up: This variation requires you to perform the exercise using only one arm, which increases the difficulty and targets each side of your body separately.
  • Incline Scapula Push Up with Feet on Swiss Ball: In this variation, you place your feet on a Swiss ball while doing the push up, which adds an element of instability and engages your core.
  • Incline Scapula Push Up with Kettlebell: This variation involves placing one hand on a kettlebell while performing the push up, which increases the intensity and targets different muscle groups.
  • Decline Scapula Push Up: This variation flips the incline position to a decline, making your upper body work harder to lift your body weight.