Pike Push-up

  • 🙌 No equipment
  • At home / At the gym
  • Some experience

A push-up with your hips raised in an upside-down V. The best no-equipment shoulder exercise. Try it once regular push-ups feel comfortable.

⏳ Trainer review pending — follow carefully and ask a trainer if you are unsure.

🖼️ Step-by-step pictures coming soon

How to do it

  1. Start in a push-up position, then walk your feet a little towards your hands and lift your hips so your body forms an upside-down V.
  2. Hands a little wider than your shoulders, eyes looking towards your feet.
  3. Bend your elbows and slowly lower your head towards the floor between your hands.
  4. Push the floor away to straighten your arms and come back up.

Breathing: Breathe in as you lower, breathe out as you push up.

How much to start with: 2–3 sets × 5–10 reps (stop when your form starts to break)

❌ Common mistakes

  • Letting your hips drop — then it becomes a regular push-up.
  • Flaring your elbows straight out.
  • Bumping your head hard on the floor.

⚠️ Safety

  • Put a folded towel or cushion under your head.
  • Don't do this if you have high blood pressure, an eye condition such as glaucoma, or feel dizzy with your head down.

Muscles worked

Main: Shoulders

Also works: Triceps, Chest

Easier versionPush-up

More ways to train Shoulders