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Push-Up Jacks

Intermediate
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Bodyweight exercise combining push-ups with jumping jack foot movements to target chest, triceps, and core while building upper body strength, stability, and cardiovascular endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Lower Back, Adductors, Abductors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Endurance
Conditioning

Training Style

Calisthenics
HIIT

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

9/10

Mid Chest

Triceps

8/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Adductors

3/10

Abductors

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Start in high plank position with hands wider than shoulders, body straight from head to heels, feet together, core engaged.

  1. Bend elbows to lower chest toward floor while jumping feet out wide.
  2. Keep body straight and core tight throughout.
  3. Push through palms to extend arms while jumping feet back together.
  4. Fully extend elbows at top.
  5. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep body plank straight
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Core braced tight
  • Jump feet controlled
  • Gaze down neutral

Breathing

Inhale as you lower and jump feet out; exhale forcefully as you push up and jump feet in, bracing core.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower until chest nears floor with elbows at 90 degrees; fully extend arms at top with feet jumping from together to wider than shoulders.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder or back pain
  • Master basic push-ups first
  • Use modifications if beginner
  • Warm up shoulders and wrists
  • Consult doctor for pre-existing conditions

Spotting

No spotting needed; perform in open space away from obstacles.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging during jump
  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Neck craning up
  • Incomplete push-up range
  • Arching lower back

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain
  • Wrist injuries
  • Recent surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Wrist extension to 70 degrees
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for plank stability

Build Up First

  • Perform 10 standard push-ups
  • Basic plank hold for 30 seconds
  • Coordinate upper and lower body movements

Also known as

Pushup Jacks, Jumping Push-Ups, Plank Jack Push-Ups

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