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Deficit Push-Up

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Advanced push-up variation using elevated hand platforms to deepen chest stretch, targeting pectorals, anterior deltoids, and triceps for enhanced hypertrophy and upper body strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight, Plates

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Calisthenics
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest, Lower Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

8/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Place two sturdy elevated platforms like weight plates or push-up handles slightly wider than shoulder-width on the floor. Assume a high plank position with hands on platforms, body straight from head to heels, arms extended, core braced.

  1. Bend elbows to lower chest below hand level between platforms, keeping elbows at 45 degrees to torso.
  2. Maintain straight body line with core and glutes engaged.
  3. Lower until chest nears floor or mobility limit.
  4. Pause briefly at bottom if desired.
  5. Push through palms to extend arms explosively back to start.
  6. Squeeze shoulder blades at top.
  7. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep body rigid like a plank.
  • Tuck elbows to 45 degrees.
  • Drive through palms.
  • Squeeze glutes tight.
  • Lower chest below hands.
  • Maintain neutral spine.

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase, brace core, and exhale forcefully during the push.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From full arm extension in plank to chest descending below elevated hands, elbows at 45 degrees, without sagging hips or flaring elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master standard push-ups first.
  • Warm up shoulders thoroughly.
  • Avoid if shoulder mobility is limited.
  • Use stable, non-slip platforms.
  • Stop if wrist or elbow pain occurs.

Spotting

No spotter needed; perform in open space or use self-assisted regression if fatigued.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips or arching back.
  • Flaring elbows wide.
  • Incomplete range below hands.
  • Neck jutting forward.
  • Rushing the eccentric phase.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Wrist injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion for deep stretch
  • Wrist extension mobility

Build Up First

  • Mastery of standard push-up (15+ reps)

Also known as

Deficit Pushup, Elevated Hand Push-Up, Deep Push-Up

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