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Medicine Ball Alternating Push-Up

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An advanced push-up variation with one hand on a medicine ball, alternating sides to target chest, shoulders, triceps, and core for enhanced upper body strength, stability, and balance in conditioning workouts.

About Exercise

Equipment

Medicine Ball

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Glutes

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

CrossFit
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

8/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Glutes

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Position in high plank with one hand on medicine ball and the other flat on floor, feet hip-width apart, body straight from head to heels.

  1. Brace core and glutes to maintain neutral spine.
  2. Bend elbows at 45 degrees to lower chest toward floor.
  3. Push through hands to extend arms fully.
  4. Roll medicine ball to opposite hand smoothly.
  5. Place free hand on floor where ball was.
  6. Repeat push-up on new side.
  7. Alternate sides for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep body rigid like a plank.
  • Elbows at 45 degrees.
  • Resist torso rotation.
  • Shoulders level.
  • Gaze down.
  • Hips neutral.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower, exhale forcefully as you push up while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until chest nears floor or medicine ball; extend arms fully at top with shoulder protraction.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if shoulder instability or pain present.
  • Ensure firm medicine ball.
  • Master standard push-ups first.
  • Control transitions to prevent falls.
  • Consult professional for history of joint issues.
  • Use slower pace initially.

Spotting

Not typically needed; use wall or partner for balance support if beginner, but prioritize form over assistance.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging or arching.
  • Excessive torso twisting.
  • Elbows flaring out.
  • Rushing ball transfer.
  • Incomplete range.
  • Neck straining.

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder instability
  • Acute wrist pain
  • Lower back issues
  • Recent shoulder injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion
  • Wrist extension
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for plank

Build Up First

  • Master standard push-up
  • Proficiency in plank hold
  • Basic medicine ball push-up competency

Also known as

Alternating Medicine Ball Pushup, Medicine Ball Uneven Push Up, Rolling Medicine Ball Push Up

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