Pike Push-up
Pike Push-up demonstration
Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.
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Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Pike Push-up
Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.
- Bend your elbows and lower your upper body towards the ground, keeping your hips high and your head moving down towards the ground.
- Continue lowering yourself until your head is almost touching the ground or as far as your flexibility and strength allow.
- Now, push your body back up by straightening your arms, returning to the starting position.
- Repeat this process for your desired number of repetitions, ensuring you maintain the correct form throughout.
Tips for Performing Pike Push-up
Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.
- **Controlled Movement**: When lowering your body, do it in a slow, controlled manner. Don't let gravity do the work for you. This will engage your muscles more effectively and reduce the risk of injury.
- **Head Position**: A common mistake is to look forward during the exercise. Instead, keep your gaze towards your feet. This helps to maintain a neutral neck and spine, which is safer and more effective.
- **Elbow Position**: Keep your elbows close to your body as you lower yourself down. Flaring your elbows out wide can put unnecessary strain on your shoulders and limit the effectiveness of the exercise.
Can beginners do the Pike Push-up?
A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.
Yes, beginners can do the Pike Push-up exercise, but it may be challenging initially as it requires a fair amount of upper body strength, balance, and flexibility. It's recommended to start with basic push-ups and gradually progress to more advanced variations like the Pike Push-up. As with any exercise, proper form is crucial to prevent injury. If a beginner finds it too difficult, they could modify the exercise or use some sort of assistance until they build up the necessary strength.
What are common variations of the Pike Push-up?
Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.
- The One-Leg Pike Push-up is another variation where you perform the exercise with only one foot on the ground, adding an extra challenge to your balance and core strength.
- The Wide-Stance Pike Push-up is a variation where you position your hands wider than shoulder-width apart, focusing more on your shoulder muscles.
- The Narrow-Stance Pike Push-up is a variation where you place your hands closer together, targeting more on your triceps.
- The Pike Push-up with Sliders is a dynamic variation where you use sliders under your feet, adding an element of instability and increased core engagement.



