Sphinx Push-ups
Start in forearm plank, elbows under shoulders. Press palms into floor to extend elbows into a straight-arm plank, keeping body in one line and elbows tucked; lower back with control. Builds triceps strength and core stability.
Muscles worked
Equipment

How to do it
- Set your hands under the shoulders in a high plank with feet about hip-width.
- Brace the core and keep the ribs stacked over the pelvis.
- Lower by bending the elbows until the forearms rest on the floor.
- Stop with elbows under the shoulders in a sphinx position.
- Press back up by extending the elbows to the high plank.
- Finish each rep with the triceps, not a shrug.
Watch for
- Shoulders rolling forward at the bottom.
- Elbows flaring wide under fatigue.
- Using the hips to bounce out of the bottom.
Breathing
Inhale as you lower, exhale as you press up.
Tip
Use a shorter range before adding depth if the front of the shoulder feels pinched.
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