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Counter Push-Up

BeginnerStrengthTier T1
Counter Push-Up

Push-up performed against a counter or elevated surface. Intermediate step between wall and floor push-ups.

Targets: Elbow
Muscles: Pectoralis Major, Triceps, Deltoids

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

bench

Home Options

  • table or counter
  • table or counter + weight bench

No equipment? Try: Sturdy table, Stairs, Bench

Dosage

3

Sets

12

Reps / Time

45 sec

Rest

2 down / 1 up

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Find sturdy counter, table, or bench
  • Place hands on edge, shoulder-width apart
  • Step feet back until body is at an angle
  1. Counter Push-Up - Step 1 of 5: Keep body straight from head to heels

    Step 1 of 5

    Keep body straight from head to heels

  2. Counter Push-Up - Step 2 of 5: Bend elbows to lower chest toward surface

    Step 2 of 5

    Bend elbows to lower chest toward surface

  3. Counter Push-Up - Step 3 of 5: Get as low as comfortable

    Step 3 of 5

    Get as low as comfortable

  4. Counter Push-Up - Step 4 of 5: Push back up to start

    Step 4 of 5

    Push back up to start

  5. Counter Push-Up - Step 5 of 5: Full arm extension

    Step 5 of 5

    Full arm extension

Breathing

  • Inhale going down
  • Exhale pushing up

Form Cues

  • Straight body line
  • Elbows at 45 degrees
  • Chest toward surface
  • Full extension

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Hips sagging or piking
  • Not going low enough
  • Elbows flaring to 90 degrees
  • Surface not stable

Safety Information

Ensure surface is stable and won't move. Good progression from wall.

Progressions

Use lower surface, progress to knee push-ups

Regressions

Use higher surface