What Do Push-ups Work Out?

Push-ups work multiple muscle groups at once, which is why many fitness experts recommend them for full-body workouts. They are a popular compound and body-weight exercise. When you perform a push-up, you engage your chest, arms and shoulders. More specifically, push-ups primarily work your pectoralis, triceps and deltoid muscles.

Pectoralis

When most people think of push-ups, they imagine building up their chest muscle --- for good reason. Push-ups strengthen your pectoralis major, a large muscle that extends from your clavicle to your rib cage. Your pectoralis major works in sync with your deltoids, or shoulder muscles, so building up your "pecs" can also improve shoulder strength.

Triceps

Your triceps brachii are located on the back of your upper arms and extend below your shoulders to your elbows, the Bodybuilding website explains. They play an important role moving your shoulder joint and lengthening your arms. Because push-ups require precisely these body movements, your triceps will work hard.

Deltoids

Your shoulder, or deltoid muscle, begins at your clavicle and has three parts: anterior, middle and posterior. The deltoids play a vital role in all lifting movements. The anterior deltoid, at the front of the shoulder, works in concert with your pectoralis major to lift you off the ground when you do a push-up.

Other Muscles

While your pectoralis, triceps and deltoids are most involved in push-ups, other groups play auxiliary roles. When you execute a push-up properly, you also employ your abdominal muscles, strengthening your core. In addition, your back, biceps and even your legs get a workout. In short, push-ups affect muscle groups from head to toe.

Considerations

There are many push-up variations, and each targets certain muscle groups more intensely than others. Although push-ups are a great way to build upper-body strength for many people, you may need to modify your push-ups depending on your physical condition or fitness goals. Consult your doctor to determine whether you can perform push-ups safely.