Kneeling Clock Push-up (male) – Video Exercise Guide & Tips

Are you looking for a challenging exercise to strengthen your upper body? Look no further than the kneeling clock push-up.
Watch This Exercise Video
This video exercise guide and tips will show you how to properly perform this move, while avoiding common mistakes.
Whether you're a beginner or advanced, you'll find modifications to suit your fitness level.
Plus, we'll share tips on how to increase intensity and progression.
Get ready to take your push-ups to the next level!
Key Takeaways
- Kneeling Clock Push-up targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps, increasing upper body strength and stability.
- Proper form and technique are crucial, focusing on maintaining a neutral spine, engaging the core, and keeping the shoulder blades pulled back and down.
- Common mistakes to avoid include dropping or lifting the hips too high, allowing elbows to flare out, and rushing through the exercise.
- Beginners can modify the exercise by starting with a modified push-up on knees or using an elevated surface, while advanced variations include single-leg kneeling and elevated kneeling clock push-ups to challenge different muscle groups.
Benefits of Kneeling Clock Push-up
You will experience increased upper body strength and stability with the kneeling clock push-up. This exercise not only targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps, but it also provides several muscular endurance benefits. By performing the kneeling clock push-up regularly, you'll notice improvements in your ability to perform repetitive upper body movements for an extended period of time. This is because the exercise engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, requiring them to contract and relax repeatedly, thereby building endurance.
Additionally, the kneeling clock push-up has core strengthening effects. As you lower your body towards the floor and push back up, your core muscles, including your abs and lower back, engage to maintain stability. This not only helps to improve your overall core strength but also enhances your posture and balance.
By incorporating the kneeling clock push-up into your fitness routine, you won't only build upper body strength but also develop greater muscular endurance and core stability. These benefits won't only enhance your performance in other exercises but also contribute to improved overall fitness and functionality in your daily life.
Proper Form and Technique
Executing proper form and technique is crucial when performing the kneeling clock push-up. To ensure you get the most out of this exercise and prevent injuries, it's important to understand some common misconceptions and follow injury prevention tips.
One common misconception is that speed is more important than form. However, maintaining proper form is key to reaping the full benefits of the kneeling clock push-up. By focusing on technique rather than speed, you engage your muscles more effectively and reduce the risk of strain or injury.
To prevent injuries, it's essential to maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise. Avoid arching or rounding your back, as this can strain your lower back and neck. Keep your core engaged and your shoulder blades pulled back and down.
Another injury prevention tip is to listen to your body and progress at your own pace. Start with a modified version of the kneeling clock push-up if needed, and gradually increase the difficulty as you build strength and stability. It's better to perform the exercise correctly with proper form, rather than rushing through it and risking injury.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid common mistakes during the kneeling clock push-up, it's important to be aware of proper form and technique. Here are some common mistakes to avoid and tips to help you increase the difficulty of this exercise:
- Dropping your hips: Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your knees. Avoid dropping your hips or lifting them too high, as this can put unnecessary strain on your lower back.
- Allowing your elbows to flare out: Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement. This helps to engage your triceps and chest muscles more effectively.
- Rushing through the exercise: Take your time and focus on the quality of each rep. Lower yourself down slowly and push back up with control. Rushing through the exercise can lead to poor form and increase the risk of injury.
- Neglecting to engage your core: Your core muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing your body during the kneeling clock push-up. Be sure to engage your core by tightening your abs and glutes throughout the exercise.
Modifications for Beginners and Advanced Levels
If you're just starting out with the kneeling clock push-up, don't worry, there are modifications available for beginners. You can begin by doing the push-ups on your knees instead of your toes, allowing you to build strength and stability.
On the other hand, for those who are more advanced, there are variations you can try to make the exercise more challenging and engage different muscle groups.
Beginner Modification Options
Choose the appropriate level of difficulty for your skill level and begin with the recommended modifications. If you're a beginner, it's important to focus on proper form and gradually build strength.
Here are some beginner modifications and proper form tips to help you get started:
- Start with a modified push-up: Instead of being in a full plank position, start on your knees with your hands shoulder-width apart. This will help you build upper body strength and get used to the movement.
- Use an elevated surface: If the modified push-up is still too challenging, you can perform the exercise with your hands on an elevated surface like a bench or step. This will reduce the amount of weight you have to lift.
- Focus on core engagement: Keep your core muscles tight throughout the exercise to maintain stability and prevent lower back strain.
- Gradually increase difficulty: As you gain strength and confidence, slowly progress to performing the push-up from a full plank position. Remember to maintain proper form and listen to your body's limits.
Advanced Level Variations
As you progress in your strength and skill level, you can explore advanced variations and modifications for the kneeling clock push-up. These advanced modifications will challenge your muscles in new ways and help you continue to build strength and endurance.
One advanced modification is the single-leg kneeling clock push-up, where you perform the exercise with one leg lifted off the ground. This variation adds an extra stability and core challenge, while still targeting the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles.
Another advanced modification is the elevated kneeling clock push-up, where you place your hands on an elevated surface, such as a step or bench. This variation increases the range of motion and adds an extra challenge to your upper body muscles.
By incorporating these advanced modifications, you can continue to push yourself and target different muscle groups.
Now, let's dive into the progression for all levels.
Progression for All Levels
As you progress in your strength and skill level, you can explore advanced variations and modifications for the kneeling clock push-up. Here are some progression options and technique variations to keep challenging yourself:
- Full Range of Motion: Start by performing the push-up with a smaller range of motion, gradually increasing it until you can go all the way down to the ground and back up.
- Elevated Surface: Place your hands on an elevated surface, like a bench or step, to increase the difficulty of the exercise.
- Single Leg: Lift one leg off the ground while performing the push-up to engage your core and challenge your stability.
- Plyometric Push-ups: Once you have built sufficient strength, add an explosive element by pushing off the ground and clapping your hands before landing back in the starting position.
Remember to always maintain proper form and listen to your body. With these progressions, you'll continue to improve your strength and push your limits.
Tips for Increasing Intensity and Progression
To increase the intensity and progression of your kneeling clock push-ups, focus on engaging your core and maintaining proper form throughout the exercise. Increasing the intensity of your push-ups is essential for challenging your muscles and achieving greater fitness gains. One way to do this is by adding variations to the exercise.
For example, you can try elevating your feet on a stability ball or a bench to increase the difficulty. Another way to amp up the intensity is by incorporating resistance bands into your routine. By attaching the bands to your wrists or shoulders and performing the push-ups, you'll be adding an extra challenge to your upper body muscles.
Workout progression is also crucial to continue seeing improvements in your strength and endurance. Gradually increasing the number of repetitions and sets you perform can help you progress. Start by adding one or two more repetitions to each set every week until you reach your desired number.
Once you can comfortably perform the exercise with good form, you can also increase the difficulty by moving to full push-ups from the kneeling position. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to increasing intensity and progression. Push yourself, but listen to your body and avoid overexertion or injury.
With dedication and determination, you'll be able to take your kneeling clock push-ups to the next level and achieve your fitness goals.
Sample Workout Routine With Kneeling Clock Push-Ups
Now that you've learned the proper form for kneeling clock push-ups and tips for increasing intensity, it's time to put it all together in a sample workout routine.
By incorporating kneeling clock push-ups into your routine, you'll not only improve your upper body strength and stability, but also challenge your core muscles.
With increasing difficulty levels, you can continue to push yourself and see the benefits of this exercise in no time.
Proper Form Tips
Maintain a strong core and engage your arms and chest muscles as you perform the kneeling clock push-ups. To ensure proper form and maximize the effectiveness of this exercise, follow these tips:
- Proper Breathing: Inhale as you lower your body towards the ground and exhale as you push back up. This will help stabilize your core and provide oxygen to your muscles.
- Muscles Targeted: The kneeling clock push-up primarily targets your chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor), triceps, and shoulders. It also engages your core muscles for stability.
- Hand Placement: Start with your hands shoulder-width apart and slightly wider than your shoulders. This will allow for proper alignment and activation of the targeted muscles.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows tucked close to your body as you lower yourself down. This ensures that your triceps are properly engaged and reduces strain on your shoulders.
With these proper form tips, you can perform kneeling clock push-ups effectively and safely. Now, let's move on to increasing the difficulty levels and taking your workout to the next level.
Increasing Difficulty Levels
To increase the difficulty levels of your workout routine with kneeling clock push-ups, incorporate the following exercises and variations.
First, you can try performing the push-ups on your toes instead of your knees, which will engage your core and upper body muscles even more.
Another option is to add a resistance band around your back, providing an extra challenge as you push up against the resistance.
You can also elevate your feet on a stable surface, such as a bench or step, to increase the angle and intensity of the exercise.
Additionally, you can try performing the push-ups with one leg lifted off the ground or with your hands placed on an unstable surface, like a stability ball.
These advanced modifications will further increase the challenge and help you take your workout to the next level.
Now let's explore the benefits of incorporating these exercises into your routine.
Benefits of Exercise
Incorporate kneeling clock push-ups into your workout routine to experience a wide range of benefits. Here are some reasons why consistency in exercise is important and how it can positively impact your mental health:
- Increased strength and muscle tone: Regular exercise, including kneeling clock push-ups, can help you build strength and tone your muscles, leading to a more defined physique.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Engaging in consistent exercise can strengthen your heart and improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Enhanced mood and reduced stress: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. By incorporating kneeling clock push-ups into your routine, you can alleviate stress and improve your overall mental well-being.
- Better cognitive function: Exercise has been shown to improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. By staying consistent with your workout routine, you can enhance your brain health and performance.
By making exercise a regular part of your life, you can reap these incredible benefits and improve both your physical and mental well-being.
Start incorporating kneeling clock push-ups into your routine today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories Can You Burn by Doing Kneeling Clock Push-Ups?
When you do kneeling clock push-ups, you can burn a good amount of calories. The exact number of calories burned will depend on factors like your weight, intensity, and duration of the exercise.
However, by engaging multiple muscles and incorporating variations and modifications, you can maximize your caloric burn.
Can Kneeling Clock Push-Ups Help Improve Shoulder Stability?
Kneeling clock push-ups can definitely help improve shoulder stability. By engaging your shoulders and arms in this exercise, you'll strengthen the muscles responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint. This increased stability can have a positive impact on your overall upper body strength.
Additionally, there are variations of kneeling clock push-ups that cater to different fitness levels, allowing you to gradually progress and challenge yourself. So give it a try and reap the benefits for your shoulders and upper body strength!
Are Kneeling Clock Push-Ups Suitable for People With Wrist Injuries?
Kneeling clock push-ups can be modified for those with wrist injuries. If you have a wrist injury, you may need to make some adjustments to protect your wrists.
Try placing your hands on a stable surface instead of the floor, like a bench or step. This will reduce the strain on your wrists while still engaging your upper body muscles.
Alternatively, you can explore other exercises that don't put as much pressure on your wrists, such as chest presses or resistance band workouts.
Keep pushing yourself and finding alternatives that work for you!
How Often Should Kneeling Clock Push-Ups Be Included in a Workout Routine?
To maximize the benefits of kneeling clock push-ups for your overall strength, it's important to include them regularly in your workout routine. Aim to do them at least two to three times a week.
These push-ups target your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles, helping you build strength and stability. By incorporating them into your routine, you'll improve your upper body strength and enhance your overall fitness level.
Can Kneeling Clock Push-Ups Be Done as a Warm-Up Exercise Before Weightlifting?
Yes, kneeling clock push-ups can be a great warm-up exercise before weightlifting. They help activate your chest, shoulders, and core muscles, preparing them for the workout ahead.
The controlled movement and range of motion also improve stability and flexibility.
By incorporating kneeling clock push-ups into your warm-up routine, you'll increase blood flow to the targeted muscles, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance your overall performance during weightlifting.
Conclusion
Incorporating kneeling clock push-ups into your workout routine can provide numerous benefits. This exercise is known to improve upper body strength, core stability, and balance. To ensure you get the most out of this exercise, it is essential to maintain proper form and technique. Common mistakes should be avoided, and intensity should be gradually increased over time. Regardless of your fitness level, modifications can be made to suit your needs. By challenging yourself and incorporating kneeling clock push-ups into your regular workout routine, you can make progress and see improvements in your overall fitness.

Author
Years ago, the spark of my life’s passion ignited in my mind the moment I stepped into the local gym for the first time. The inaugural bead of perspiration, the initial endeavor, the very first surge of endorphins, and a sense of pride that washed over me post-workout marked the beginning of my deep-seated interest in strength sports, fitness, and sports nutrition. This very curiosity blossomed rapidly into a profound fascination, propelling me to earn a Master’s degree in Physical Education from the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow, followed by a Sports Manager diploma from the Jagiellonian University. My journey of growth led me to gain more specialized qualifications, such as being a certified personal trainer with a focus on sports dietetics, a lifeguard, and an instructor for wellness and corrective gymnastics. Theoretical knowledge paired seamlessly with practical experience, reinforcing my belief that the transformation of individuals under my guidance was also a reflection of my personal growth. This belief holds true even today. Each day, I strive to push the boundaries and explore new realms. These realms gently elevate me to greater heights. The unique combination of passion for my field and the continuous quest for growth fuels my drive to break new ground.