MWC
ChestBody OnlyBeginner

Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip

Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip — starting positionIncline Push-Up Reverse Grip — end position
Primary muscles
Chest
Equipment
Body Only
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound · Push

How to do the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip

  1. 1

    Stand facing a Smith machine bar or sturdy elevated platform at an appropriate height.

  2. 2

    Place your hands on the bar palms up, with your hands about shoulder width apart.

  3. 3

    Position your feet back from the bar with arms and body straight. This will be your starting position.

  4. 4

    Keeping your body straight, lower your chest to the bar by bending the arms.

  5. 5

    Return to the starting position by extending the elbows, pressing yourself back up.

How to program the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip

Sets and reps

As a compound movement, the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.

Progression

The Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.

Secondary muscles worked

AbdominalsShouldersTriceps

Put the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip into a plan

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Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip work?

The Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip primarily targets the Chest. It also recruits the Abdominals, Shoulders, Triceps as supporting muscles.

What equipment do I need for the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip?

You need Body Only. Difficulty level: Beginner.

How many sets and reps of the Incline Push-Up Reverse Grip should I do?

For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.

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