Atlas
One-Arm Push-Up: starting position One-Arm Push-Up: end position

Horizontal Push · Chest

One-Arm Push-Up

A horizontal push exercise that works the chest. Intermediate level, using bodyweight.

IntermediateBodyweightHomeParkGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryChest
SecondaryShoulders, Triceps

Chest, triceps, shoulder, and core. Advanced.

Setup and loading

Feet wider than in a regular push-up.

How to do the one-arm push-up step by step

  1. Place one hand under your shoulder and spread your feet wide.
  2. Lower your body as one unit.
  3. Push up until your arm is straight.

Form cues

  • Hips square to the floor
  • Free hand behind your back

Common mistakes

  • Rotating your torso
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

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Variations and similar exercises

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