Although push-ups don't require any sophisticated exercise equipment, they're effective for building the muscles of your upper body. Despite the simplicity of the motion, push-ups work several different muscles.
Pectoralis Major
The pectoralis major is the main muscle in your chest. As the fitness resource Get Body Smart explains, this muscle performs several important actions, such as helping to flex, rotate and extend your arm at the shoulder. You can also work your pectoralis major through exercises such as the bench press.
Triceps Brachii
The triceps brachii, usually referred to as the triceps, are the muscles on the back of your arms. As Bodybuilding.com explains, the triceps help perform extension from your elbow, meaning these muscle are involved in a variety of actions, from swinging a bat to slicing a pizza. Other triceps brachii exercises include the close-grip bench press and dips.
Anterior Deltoid
The anterior deltoid is a muscle that's located on the front of your shoulder. Online fitness resource ExRx.net explains that the anterior deltoid helps your pectoralis major flex your shoulders and aids in shoulder abduction, which is the motion that brings your arm away from your body.
Rectus Abdominus
The rectus abdominus is the muscle usually referred to as your abs. This muscle is long and spans the length of your torso, from the bottom of your pectoralis major downward. The rectus abdominus helps stabilize your body during push-ups, which prevents your back from dipping. Exercise website Fitness Uncovered says you can develop this muscle with crunches and hanging hip raises.
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