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Resistance Band Push-Up on Knees

Beginner
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A modified push-up with a loop band across the upper back for added resistance, performed on knees to target chest, triceps, and shoulders while building foundational upper body strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Loop Bands, Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Rehab

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest

Triceps

8/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Kneel on the floor with hands slightly wider than shoulders, loop a resistance band over your upper back and secure ends under palms.

  1. Brace core and glutes to maintain straight line from shoulders to knees.
  2. Inhale and bend elbows to lower chest toward floor, keeping elbows at 45 degrees.
  3. Lower until chest nears ground while holding body alignment.
  4. Exhale and press through palms to extend arms against band resistance.
  5. Fully extend arms without locking elbows at top.
  6. Repeat while sustaining core engagement.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep body straight
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Press through palms
  • Brace core tight
  • Gaze neutral ahead

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase and exhale forcefully as you push up, bracing core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until chest is inches from floor; fully extend arms at top without hyperextending elbows or sagging hips.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure band to avoid snapping
  • Avoid if acute shoulder or wrist pain
  • Maintain neutral spine to prevent strain
  • Choose band resistance matching strength level

Spotting

No spotter needed; perform solo with focus on form and band security.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Sagging hips
  • Incomplete range
  • Band slipping loose

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist injuries
  • Acute back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees
  • Wrist extension for plank

Build Up First

  • Basic kneeling plank hold
  • Proper push-up form awareness

Also known as

Banded Knee Push-Up, Kneeling Resistance Band Pushup, Band-Assisted Knee Push-Up

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