What Muscles Do Push Ups Work?

What Muscles Do Push Ups Work?
Photo Credit push ups image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com

Push-ups are a great upper-body resistance exercise. They work a number of the major muscle groups, and contribute to overall upper-body fitness and improved posture. When doing push-ups, make sure you are using proper form to achieve the best results, as well as prevent injuries that may arise from poor technique.

Pectoral Muscles

The pectoral muscles are the muscles of the chest. The pectoralis major is the large muscle that stretches across the front of the chest. The pectoralis minor lies just beneath the pectoralis major. Push-ups are a great way to strengthen and shape both.

Deltoid Muscles

The deltoid muscles are the large muscles that sit atop the shoulders; they are divided into the front and rear deltoid muscles. Push-ups help develop these muscles and form strong, shapely shoulders.

Upper Arm Muscles

Push-ups help to build the muscles of the upper arm --- the triceps and the biceps. The biceps lie along the front of the upper arm, and the triceps run along the back of the upper arm.

Upper Back Muscles

The upper back muscles also benefit from push-ups. The upper back muscles consist of the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and trapezius.

References

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Jun 3, 2010

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