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Two Arm Medicine Ball Push-Up
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Two Arm Medicine Ball Push-Up

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How to Perform

  1. Place a medicine ball on the floor and position your hands on it at shoulder width, extending your legs behind you into a plank position with your weight on your toes.
  2. Engage your core and squeeze your glutes to maintain a straight line from your head to your heels, ensuring your hips don't sag or pike up.
  3. Inhale as you slowly bend your elbows to lower your chest toward the medicine ball, keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle from your body rather than flaring them out.
  4. Maintain tension throughout your body, particularly in your shoulder blades which should be pulled back and down away from your ears.
  5. Lower until your chest is about 2-3 inches from the ball, making sure your wrists stay aligned with your shoulders and the ball doesn't roll.
  6. Exhale powerfully as you press through your palms to push back up to the starting position, fully extending your arms without locking your elbows.
  7. At the top of the movement, check that your body remains in a straight line and reset your core engagement if necessary.
  8. Control the medicine ball throughout the entire movement, adjusting your hand pressure to prevent it from shifting during repetitions.

Important information

  • Choose a medicine ball size appropriate for your strength level—larger balls make the exercise more challenging by increasing the range of motion.
  • If the ball feels unstable, begin with one hand on the ball and one on the floor until you develop sufficient stability.
  • Keep your neck in a neutral position by focusing your gaze about 6-12 inches in front of the ball, not directly down at it.
  • Avoid bouncing at the bottom of the movement or using momentum—quality control is more important than repetition count.

Exercise Details

Primary Muscles

Pecs Triceps Front Delts

Muscle Groups

Chest exercises Arm exercises Shoulder exercises

Mechanic

Compound

Risk Areas

Triceps Front Delts

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The Medicine Ball Push-Up takes the classic push-up to new heights by introducing an element of instability that forces your muscles to work harder with each rep. This intermediate-level movement primarily targets your pecs, triceps, and front deltoids while engaging your core in a way that traditional push-ups simply can't match. What makes this exercise particularly valuable is its versatility across training styles. 

Whether you're focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) circuits where you're pushing for maximum reps in short bursts, or you're methodically building your physique through bodybuilding protocols, the Medicine Ball Push-Up delivers impressive results. The unstable surface of the ball creates a constantly shifting foundation that challenges your stabilizing muscles throughout the entire movement. From a strength development perspective, this exercise shines by demanding greater muscle recruitment than standard push-ups. Your chest muscles must work overtime to control the descent and power the ascent while maintaining perfect form over an unpredictable surface. The triceps engage fully to extend your arms against both gravity and instability, while your anterior deltoids coordinate the entire pressing motion. 

The beauty of incorporating Medicine Ball Push-Ups into your routine lies in their functional carryover. The balance and coordination required translate directly to improved performance in numerous sports and daily activities. Many athletes report enhanced shoulder stability and increased power output in their pressing movements after consistently training with this variation. For optimal results, consider programming Medicine Ball Push-Ups early in your chest or upper body sessions when muscles are fresh and coordination is at its peak. The exercise pairs particularly well with more stable pressing movements, creating a comprehensive approach to chest development that addresses both strength and stabilization needs in a single workout.

FAQ - Two Arm Medicine Ball Push-Up

What muscles does the Medicine Ball Push-Up target?

The Medicine Ball Push-Up primarily targets your pectoral muscles (chest), triceps, and anterior deltoids (front shoulders) while significantly engaging your core stabilizers due to the unstable surface. Your serratus anterior and rotator cuff muscles also work overtime compared to standard push-ups.

Is the Medicine Ball Push-Up safe for beginners?

This exercise is best suited for intermediate to advanced fitness levels as it requires a solid foundation in standard push-ups first. Beginners should master traditional push-ups before progressing to this variation to reduce injury risk and ensure proper form throughout the movement.

How can I make Medicine Ball Push-Ups easier or harder?

To make it easier, place the medicine ball against a wall for added stability or use a larger, less inflated ball. To increase difficulty, try alternating hands on the ball during each rep, using a smaller ball, or elevating your feet on a bench or stability ball.

What are the most common form mistakes with Medicine Ball Push-Ups?

The most common mistakes include allowing your hips to sag or pike upward, not maintaining a neutral spine, placing the ball too far forward or back from your body, and using momentum rather than controlled movement. Focus on keeping your core tight and shoulders directly over your wrists throughout the exercise.

How often should I include Medicine Ball Push-Ups in my training routine?

Incorporate Medicine Ball Push-Ups 1-2 times weekly, typically early in your chest or upper body workouts when muscles are fresh. They work well in sets of 8-12 repetitions for muscle building or as part of a circuit training routine for 30-45 second intervals with proper recovery between sessions.

Alternative Exercises

Close Grip Push Up

Close Grip Push Up

The close grip push-up stands as a powerful variation of the traditional push-up that delivers targeted stimulation to both the pectoral muscles and triceps. This intermediate-level movement shifts emphasis toward the inner chest and the triceps brachii, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add definition and strength to these specific areas. Unlike its standard counterpart, the narrow hand placement creates a more challenging mechanical advantage, requiring greater tricep engagement to push your body away from the floor. This subtle adjustment transforms a familiar exercise into a specialized tool for both bodybuilding enthusiasts seeking muscle hypertrophy and HIIT devotees looking for compound movements that deliver maximum results in minimal time. Research consistently demonstrates that close grip variations increase triceps activation by approximately 30% compared to standard push-ups, making this a time-efficient option for developing the pushing muscles of the upper body. The beauty of this exercise lies in its versatility—it can be programmed as part of a strength-focused routine with lower reps and longer rest periods, or incorporated into high-intensity intervals to simultaneously build muscle and improve cardiovascular conditioning. For bodybuilders, the close grip push-up offers the perfect complement to bench press variations, filling the gap between heavy lifting sessions with a movement that can be performed anywhere without sacrificing quality muscle stimulation. Meanwhile, those pursuing functional strength benefit from the core stability requirements and the practical pushing pattern that translates directly to everyday activities. As you progress with this movement, you'll notice improvements not only in chest definition and triceps development but also in overall pressing strength that carries over to other exercises. The close grip push-up represents one of those rare movements that bridges the gap between aesthetic goals and performance enhancement, making it a staple in well-designed fitness programs focused on upper body development.

Strength
Bodybuilding
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Bodyweight exercises
Stability Ball Pike Push-Up

Stability Ball Pike Push-Up

The Stability Ball Pike Push-Up stands as a formidable challenge in the realm of advanced bodyweight training, elevating the traditional push-up to an entirely new dimension of difficulty. This movement seamlessly blends shoulder strength development with core stabilization, making it a powerful addition to any serious fitness enthusiast's repertoire. This exercise primarily targets the front deltoids, the anterior portion of your shoulders responsible for that coveted capped look, while simultaneously engaging the triceps as crucial secondary movers. What truly sets this exercise apart, however, is the extraordinary core engagement required to maintain proper positioning throughout the movement. Perfect for integration into high-intensity interval training sessions or CrossFit WODs, the Stability Ball Pike Push-Up delivers maximum stimulus with minimal equipment. The instability factor introduces an element that traditional gym machines simply cannot replicate, forcing your body to recruit stabilizing muscles throughout your entire kinetic chain. Bodybuilders also appreciate this movement for its ability to isolate and sculpt the shoulders while maintaining functional strength patterns. The compound nature of this exercise makes it particularly effective for developing practical, real-world strength. As you progress with this movement, you'll notice improvements in overhead pressing power, core stability, and overall body control. The intense demand placed on your core musculature creates a synergistic effect, enhancing total-body strength beyond what isolated movements can achieve. For those seeking to break through plateaus in their fitness journey, the Stability Ball Pike Push-Up represents an excellent progression tool. The instability of the ball coupled with the inverted body position creates a unique challenge that forces muscular adaptation. This exercise embodies the principle that true strength isn't just about moving weight: it's about controlling your body through space with precision and power.

Strength
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+1
Stability ball
Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press

Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press

The Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press combines lower body power with upper body pushing strength in one fluid movement, creating an efficient full-body exercise that elevates your heart rate while building functional strength. This intermediate-level compound movement simultaneously targets your quadriceps, glutes, and front deltoids, making it perfect for those looking to maximize their workout efficiency. This versatile exercise fits seamlessly into various training methodologies including HIIT circuits, bodybuilding routines, and CrossFit workouts. The dynamic nature of combining a squat with an overhead press creates a cardiovascular demand that burns calories while developing both strength and muscular endurance throughout your entire body. What makes this movement particularly valuable is how it mimics everyday functional patterns: the kind of integrated movement you might use when lifting objects from the ground and placing them on a high shelf. By training these movement patterns together, you're enhancing your body's natural coordination systems while developing practical strength that translates to daily activities. The full squat component engages your entire lower body kinetic chain, activating the quadriceps as primary movers while recruiting the glutes, hamstrings, and core stabilizers. Meanwhile, the overhead press portion develops shoulder strength and stability, particularly in the anterior deltoids, while engaging your triceps and upper back muscles as synergists. For those focused on metabolic conditioning, this exercise delivers impressive results by recruiting large muscle groups simultaneously, significantly elevating oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure. The compound nature makes it particularly effective for those with limited workout time who need maximum benefits from minimal exercises. Regular incorporation of the Bodyweight Full Squat With Overhead Press can lead to improved posture, enhanced core strength, better overhead mobility, and increased lower body power—all critical components for athletic performance and daily function. Whether you're focused on building strength, enhancing endurance, or improving overall fitness, this exercise delivers comprehensive benefits in a single, efficient movement.

Strength
Endurance
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Bodyweight exercises
High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension

High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension

The High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension stands as a quintessential isolation movement for anyone serious about developing their triceps. This intermediate-level exercise has earned its place in countless bodybuilding and strength training programs due to its effectiveness at targeting the triceps brachii with remarkable precision. When you're looking to add definition and power to the back of your arms, this movement delivers consistent results by emphasizing the long head of the triceps—the largest portion of the muscle that significantly contributes to that coveted horseshoe appearance. The beauty of using the cable pulley system lies in the constant tension it provides throughout the entire range of motion, something free weights simply cannot replicate with the same efficiency. For intermediate lifters who have mastered basic tricep movements, the High Pulley Overhead Extension offers the perfect progression to continue challenging these muscles. The exercise excels at isolating the triceps while minimizing involvement from supporting muscle groups, making it particularly valuable for bodybuilders seeking targeted hypertrophy in their arm development strategy. Strength athletes benefit from this movement as well, as stronger triceps translate to improved performance in pressing movements like the bench press and overhead press. The overhead position specifically trains the triceps in a stretched state, which research suggests may optimize muscle growth and development of functional strength through a complete range of motion. While primarily known as a bodybuilding staple, this exercise bridges the gap between aesthetic-focused training and practical strength development. The controlled nature of the movement allows for focused mind-muscle connection—a critical component for maximizing growth stimulus in any resistance training program. Whether incorporated into an arm-specific training day or as a finishing movement in a push workout, the High Pulley Overhead Tricep Extension delivers exceptional value for intermediate lifters committed to building impressive, powerful arms.

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Cable