Looking to build upper body strength without a gym? A push day bodyweight workout is your go-to solution. Push exercises target the chest, shoulders, and triceps using nothing but your body weight—and they’re highly effective when done with proper technique and progression.
Whether you're setting up a push/pull bodyweight workout plan or diving into a solo push day at home, this guide walks you through essential push bodyweight exercises you can do without any equipment.
What Are Bodyweight Push Exercises?
Bodyweight push exercises rely on pushing motions to work your upper body muscles. Think of them as the opposite of pull movements. These moves primarily train your:
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Chest (pectorals)
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Shoulders (deltoids)
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Triceps
They can be performed anywhere—no bench, weights, or cables required.
Best Bodyweight Push Exercises
Here's a list of classic and progression-based push exercises with no equipment:
1. Standard Push-Ups
The foundation of any push workout bodyweight routine. Targets chest, triceps, and front shoulders.
2. Incline Push-Ups
Easier on beginners. Place your hands on a bench, table, or couch.
3. Decline Push-Ups
Feet elevated to increase resistance and emphasize the upper chest.
4. Diamond Push-Ups
Hands close together under the chest to place more tension on the triceps.
5. Pike Push-Ups
A shoulder-centric variation that preps you for handstand push-ups.
6. Wall Push-Ups
A great push day no equipment starter for absolute beginners or warm-ups.
7. Pseudo Planche Push-Ups
Shift your bodyweight forward to hit your shoulders and core harder.
Sample Home Push Workout (No Equipment)
This at home push workout no equipment plan balances effort and recovery:
Beginner Circuit (Repeat 2–3 rounds):
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Incline Push-Ups – 10 reps
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Wall Push-Ups – 15 reps
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Knee Push-Ups – 12 reps
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Shoulder Taps – 20 total taps
Intermediate Circuit (Repeat 3–4 rounds):
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Standard Push-Ups – 12 reps
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Diamond Push-Ups – 10 reps
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Pike Push-Ups – 8 reps
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Triceps Dips (using a chair) – 10 reps
Advanced Circuit (Repeat 4–5 rounds):
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Decline Push-Ups – 15 reps
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Pseudo Planche Push-Ups – 8–10 reps
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Elevated Pike Push-Ups – 10 reps
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Diamond Push-Ups – Max reps
Push Pull Legs Bodyweight Routine
The push pull legs bodyweight split is ideal for full-body training without weights:
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Push Day: Focus on chest, shoulders, triceps
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Pull Day: Focus on back, biceps (rows, pull-ups)
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Leg Day: Squats, lunges, glute bridges
Rotating these days offers balance and recovery while training all major muscle groups using just your body.
My Experience with Push Workouts at Home
When my gym closed unexpectedly for renovations a few years ago, I decided to stick to a strict bodyweight push day routine at home. I started with incline and knee push-ups and gradually worked my way to decline and planche variations. The biggest surprise? My shoulder strength and triceps size actually improved—without touching a single dumbbell.
The key was consistency, intentional form, and steady progression. You don’t need equipment to build serious upper body power—you just need the right plan and a bit of grit.
Final Tips
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Keep rest short between sets (30–60 seconds) for conditioning gains.
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Always warm up your wrists and shoulders before intense push workouts.
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Track your reps and progress weekly.
With the right approach, a push workout at home with no equipment can rival traditional gym routines in both strength development and muscle tone. Stick to it, stay consistent, and your results will push through.
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