Bodyweight Diamond Push Up

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Intermediate
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A close-grip bodyweight push-up variation performed with hands forming a diamond shape, strongly emphasizing the triceps and mid-chest for building upper body strength and muscle mass.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Endurance

Training Style

Calisthenics
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

9/10

Lateral Head, Long Head

Chest

7/10

Mid Chest, Lower Chest

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Shorter rest (60-90s) is typical for hypertrophy sets.

How to Perform

Start in a prone plank position with hands directly under the chest, thumbs and index fingers touching to form a diamond shape. Maintain a rigid, straight line from head to heels.

  1. Brace the core, keep the body straight, and tuck elbows tight to the sides.
  2. Slowly lower the chest toward the diamond shape on the floor by bending the elbows.
  3. Descend until the chest is just above or lightly touches the hands.
  4. Press forcefully through the hands to extend the elbows and return to the starting plank position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows track backward.
  • Squeeze the triceps.
  • Maintain plank position.
  • Chest towards the diamond.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the body towards the floor; exhale forcefully as you press back up to full extension.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower the body until the elbows reach approximately 90 degrees or slightly deeper, stopping just before the chest touches the hands.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Modify by performing the movement from the knees if upper body strength is insufficient.
  • If wrist pain occurs, place hands on dumbbells or elevated surfaces to reduce wrist extension.

Spotting

Not recommended; use knee modification or elevate hands/chest if difficulty is too high.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring the elbows out wide instead of keeping them tucked.
  • Letting the hips sag or arching the lower back.
  • Cutting the range of motion short at the bottom.
  • Shrugging the shoulders toward the ears.

When to Avoid

  • Acute wrist or elbow pain
  • Severe shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Sufficient wrist extension to support bodyweight

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform at least 5 standard push-ups with good form

Also known as

Close Grip Push Up, Tricep Push Up, Diamond Press-Up, Push-Up (Close Hand)

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