Push ups, a popular compound body-weight exercise, work many muscles---a reason many fitness experts recommend them. "The New York Times" claims push ups are the "ultimate barometer of fitness" because your whole body gets involved. The many types include wide, narrow, one-arm and plyometric push ups. Regardless which type you choose, you'll use your chest, shoulders, triceps and other muscles. Push ups offer a complete, convenient whole body workout.
Pecs and Deltoids
You probably think you mostly build your chest during push-ups---for good reason. Push-ups primarily develop your pectoralis major which starts at your clavicle and sternum and wraps your upper ribs. These glamorized muscles aren't just for show: they play important roles in shoulder and scapula movement. Your pecs work with your anterior deltoid---or front shoulder---to lift and lower your body during this exercise. As you strengthen your pecs, you also strengthen your shoulders.
Triceps
Found on the back of your upper arms, your triceps brachii run beneath your shoulders to your elbows. They have a long, lateral and medial head. They extend your shoulder joint and lengthen your arms during push-ups. Because you extend your arms often during this exercise, your triceps get a good workout.
Others
Your serratus anterior spans the upper nine ribs on your sides, beneath your armpits. According to Sportsinjuryclinic.net, it protracts and rotates your shoulder blade up. Other muscles such as your back, biceps, forearms and rotator cuff play secondary, supporting roles. Your abs and core, for example, support your torso. You also engage your quadriceps. By working your upper to lower body, push ups provide a full body workout.
Suggestions
Push-ups develop total body strength, but not everyone can do them. You can modify push ups many ways. For example, you can push off a wall instead of the ground. There are dozens of push-ups besides the standard one you learned in gym class; each impacts muscles differently. Diamond push-ups target your triceps, while wider grips hit your outer pecs. Consult your physician or personal trainer so you can perform push ups properly.
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