The humble push-up – a bodyweight exercise powerhouse! But what muscles are actually screaming (or, hopefully, just slightly burning) during those reps? It's more than just your chest!
Push-ups are a compound exercise, meaning they engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The primary movers are your **pectoralis major** (chest), **anterior deltoids** (front of your shoulders), and **triceps brachii** (back of your upper arms). These are the muscles doing the heavy lifting to push you up and down.
However, push-ups don't stop there. They also recruit **secondary muscles** for stabilization and support. Your **core muscles** (abs and lower back) work tirelessly to keep your body in a straight line. Your **serratus anterior** (under your armpit on the side of your ribs) helps protract your shoulder blades. Even your **glutes** engage to maintain proper form!
So, next time you're cranking out push-ups, remember you're giving your entire upper body a fantastic workout, and even your core is getting in on the action!
