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Medicine Ball Alternating Push Up

Intermediate
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An unstable, compound push-up variation using a medicine ball under one hand to increase core stability and chest activation, targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps for strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Medicine Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Glutes

Accessory Muscles

Traps

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability
Strength

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

9/10

Mid Chest, Lower Chest

Triceps

7/10

Lateral Head, Long Head

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Glutes

3/10

Glute Max

Traps

2/10

Mid Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Rest longer for maximum chest recruitment.

How to Perform

Start in a push-up position with the medicine ball directly under one hand and the other hand on the floor slightly wider than shoulder-width. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.

  1. Maintain a tight core and straight body line.
  2. Lower your chest toward the floor, bending both elbows.
  3. Press up powerfully, fully extending both elbows.
  4. Immediately walk the hand that was on the floor up onto the medicine ball.
  5. Place the opposite hand flat on the floor, ready for the next rep.
  6. Continue alternating hands with each repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Maintain a plank position
  • Press away from the floor
  • Keep hips stable
  • Shoulders away from ears

Breathing

Inhale while lowering into the push-up; exhale forcefully as you press up and stabilize the body.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower the chest until the upper arms are parallel to the floor or slightly deeper, maintaining constant core tension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • If unstable, start with knees on the ground.
  • Do not allow the ball to roll away unexpectedly.
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the wrists or shoulders.

Spotting

Not recommended; use a stable surface or revert to regular push-ups if struggling with balance.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging or hiking the hips
  • Allowing the elbow to flare too wide
  • Shifting weight excessively during the transition
  • Losing core tension

When to Avoid

  • Acute wrist pain or instability
  • Shoulder instability or rotator cuff injury
  • Severe elbow tendinitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist extension mobility
  • Shoulder flexion and extension without pain

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform standard push-ups with good form
  • Strong plank stability

Also known as

Medicine Ball Walkover Pushup, Alternating Medicine Ball Push Up, Single-Arm MB Push Up

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