Pike Push-up (female) – Video Exercise Guide & Tips

Looking to strengthen your upper body and improve your fitness routine? Check out our video exercise guide and tips for the pike push-up specifically designed for females.
Watch This Exercise Video
This challenging exercise targets your shoulders, triceps, and core. Learn proper form and technique, modifications for beginners, and advanced variations to challenge yourself.
Avoid common mistakes and discover tips for progressing and increasing difficulty.
Get ready to take your workout to the next level with the pike push-up!
Key Takeaways
- Pike push-ups target shoulders, triceps, and core muscles.
- Pike push-ups can improve shoulder and upper body strength for daily activities.
- Pike push-ups help enhance core stability and correct poor posture.
- Beginners can modify pike push-ups by starting with an elevated surface or bending the knees.
Benefits of Pike Push-ups for Females
Improve upper body strength and posture with Pike Push-ups, a beneficial exercise for females. Pike Push-ups target the shoulders, chest, and triceps, leading to increased shoulder strength. By performing this exercise regularly, you can enhance your ability to perform daily activities that require upper body strength, such as lifting objects or carrying groceries.
One of the primary benefits of Pike Push-ups is the improvement in core stability. As you lower your body towards the ground and push back up, your core muscles engage to maintain a stable position. This strengthens your abdominal muscles, lower back, and obliques, resulting in improved core stability.
Furthermore, Pike Push-ups can help correct poor posture. Many individuals, especially females, tend to have rounded shoulders due to prolonged sitting or desk work. By strengthening the muscles in your upper back and shoulders, Pike Push-ups help to pull your shoulders back, promoting better posture.
To perform Pike Push-ups, start in a push-up position and raise your hips towards the ceiling, forming an inverted V shape. Lower your head towards the ground, bending your elbows, and then push back up to the starting position. Remember to engage your core throughout the exercise and maintain proper form.
Incorporating Pike Push-ups into your fitness routine won't only increase your shoulder strength but also improve your core stability and posture.
Proper Form and Technique for Pike Push-ups
To properly execute Pike Push-ups, continue the movement from the previous subtopic and focus on maintaining the correct form and technique. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Proper alignment: Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips up towards the ceiling, forming an inverted V shape with your body. Your arms should be straight, and your head should be positioned between your arms.
- Breathing techniques: Inhale as you lower your head towards the ground, keeping your elbows tucked in. Exhale as you push your body back up to the starting position. Focus on maintaining a steady breath throughout the movement to enhance stability and control.
- Engage your core: Keep your core muscles engaged throughout the exercise to maintain stability and prevent your lower back from sagging. This will help you maintain proper form and avoid strain on your back.
- Controlled movement: Slowly lower your head towards the ground, maintaining control and stability. Avoid rushing the movement or using momentum. Focus on engaging your shoulder and chest muscles to push yourself back up to the starting position.
Modifications for Beginners
Looking to modify the Pike Push-up exercise for beginners? If you're new to this exercise or find it too challenging, there are several modifications you can try to make it more manageable.
One beginner modification is to start with an elevated surface, such as a bench or step, instead of the floor. This will reduce the amount of weight you have to push, making it easier to perform the exercise.
Another modification is to bend your knees and keep your feet on the ground instead of extending your legs in a pike position. This variation decreases the intensity and allows you to focus on building strength in your upper body.
Additionally, you can use a resistance band or perform the exercise with your hands on an elevated surface, such as a wall or countertop, to further decrease the difficulty.
These alternative exercises will help you build strength and gradually progress to the full Pike Push-up. Remember to always listen to your body and only do what feels comfortable and safe for you.
Advanced Variations to Challenge Yourself
To further challenge yourself in the Pike Push-up exercise, try incorporating advanced variations that will test your strength and push you to new limits. Here are four advanced variations to help you progress in difficulty:
- Elevated Pike Push-up: Place your feet on an elevated surface, such as a bench or step, while performing the push-up. This increases the range of motion and places more emphasis on your shoulders.
- Pike Push-up with Knee Tuck: As you lower your body towards the ground, simultaneously bring your knees towards your chest. This variation adds an extra challenge by engaging your core and requiring more stability.
- One-Leg Pike Push-up: Lift one leg off the ground while performing the push-up. This not only increases the difficulty but also activates your glutes and challenges your balance.
- Pike Push-up with Handstand Kick-up: From the pike position, kick up into a handstand against a wall. Lower your body towards the ground and push back up. This advanced variation combines the strength and stability of a handstand with the challenge of a pike push-up.
Incorporate these advanced variations into your Pike Push-up routine to continue progressing and challenging yourself. Remember to maintain proper form and listen to your body to prevent injury.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure proper form and maximize the benefits of the Pike Push-up, it's important to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them. By understanding and avoiding these mistakes, you can perform the exercise safely and effectively.
One common mistake is allowing your hips to sag during the movement. This reduces the effectiveness of the exercise and puts unnecessary strain on your lower back. To avoid this, engage your core muscles and keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels throughout the entire movement.
Another mistake is placing your hands too far apart or too close together. Placing your hands too wide can strain your shoulders, while placing them too close together can limit your range of motion. To find the proper hand placement, position your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, with your fingers pointing forward.
Lifting your head or rounding your back is another mistake to avoid. Keep your head in line with your spine and maintain a neutral spine position throughout the movement. This ensures proper alignment and reduces the risk of injury.
Lastly, rushing through the exercise is a common mistake. Take your time and focus on maintaining proper technique and form. By performing the Pike Push-up with control and precision, you'll achieve better results and reduce the risk of injury.
Tips for Progressing and Increasing Difficulty
To progress and increase the difficulty of your pike push-ups, there are a few key points to keep in mind.
First, you can add resistance by using a weight vest or placing your feet on an elevated surface. This will challenge your upper body strength even more.
Second, focus on increasing your range of motion by gradually lowering your head closer to the ground.
Lastly, incorporate advanced variations such as pike push-ups with one leg raised or pike push-ups on parallettes to further challenge your muscles.
Adding Resistance for Progress
Start by gradually adding weight or using resistance bands to increase the difficulty of your pike push-up exercises. This will help you continue to challenge your muscles and make progress in your fitness journey.
Here are four tips to help you effectively add resistance and increase the difficulty of your pike push-ups:
- Weighted Vest: Wear a weighted vest during your pike push-ups to add resistance and increase the intensity of the exercise.
- Dumbbells: Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands while performing the pike push-up to add resistance and target your shoulders and upper body muscles.
- Resistance Bands: Attach resistance bands to a stable anchor point and loop them around your shoulders or wrists to provide additional resistance during the exercise.
- Elevated Surface: Place your feet on an elevated surface, such as a bench or step, to increase the difficulty of the pike push-up and engage your muscles in a different way.
Remember to progress gradually and listen to your body to avoid injuries.
Increasing Range of Motion
As you progress in your pike push-up exercises and continue to challenge your muscles, it's important to focus on increasing your range of motion to further enhance the difficulty and effectiveness of the exercise.
Expanding flexibility and improving shoulder strength are key factors in achieving this. To expand flexibility, incorporate regular stretching exercises that target the shoulders, chest, and upper back. This will help to loosen tight muscles and allow for a greater range of motion during the pike push-up.
Additionally, incorporating exercises such as shoulder dislocations and wall walks can help improve shoulder strength, enabling you to perform the exercise with more control and stability.
Incorporating Advanced Variations
Challenge yourself and enhance the difficulty of your pike push-up by incorporating advanced variations that increase the intensity of the exercise. Take your training to the next level with these advanced modifications and techniques:
- Elevated Pike Push-up: Place your feet on an elevated surface, such as a step or bench, to increase the range of motion and add more resistance to your shoulders and triceps.
- One-Arm Pike Push-up: Shift your weight to one side and perform the push-up with one arm. This advanced variation targets your upper body strength and stability.
- Pike Push-up with Resistance Bands: Attach resistance bands to your feet or around your back to add extra resistance throughout the movement, challenging your muscles even further.
- Handstand Pike Push-up: Kick up into a handstand position against a wall and perform the pike push-up from this elevated position. This advanced modification engages your core and shoulders in a different way, providing a greater challenge.
Incorporate these advanced training techniques into your pike push-up routine to push your limits and continue progressing towards your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories Can Be Burned During a Pike Push-Up Workout?
During a pike push-up workout, you can burn calories while also improving your posture. The number of calories burned depends on various factors such as your weight, intensity, and duration of the workout. Engaging in regular pike push-up sessions can contribute to calorie expenditure and help in achieving your fitness goals.
Additionally, these exercises can also help strengthen your upper body muscles and promote better posture.
Can Pike Push-Ups Help Improve Posture?
Pike push-ups are an effective exercise for improving shoulder strength and can also help improve posture. By focusing on the shoulders and upper back, pike push-ups can strengthen the muscles that support proper posture.
Athletes can benefit from incorporating pike push-ups into their training routine, as it can enhance their overall shoulder stability and contribute to better performance in their respective sports.
Regularly practicing pike push-ups can lead to improved posture and increased strength for athletes.
Are There Any Specific Muscles Targeted During Pike Push-Ups?
During pike push-ups, several specific muscles are targeted. These include your shoulders, triceps, and upper back muscles.
Pike push-ups are a variation of the traditional push-up that focuses more on your upper body strength. By performing pike push-ups, you can strengthen and tone these muscles, leading to improved upper body strength overall.
Additionally, pike push-ups can also help improve your posture, making them a beneficial exercise to incorporate into your routine.
Is It Necessary to Warm up Before Doing Pike Push-Ups?
Before engaging in any exercise, it's crucial to warm up your muscles to avoid injuries. Warming up benefits include increased blood flow, improved flexibility, and enhanced performance.
As for alternatives to pike push-ups, you can try regular push-ups or shoulder presses with dumbbells. Remember to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as you build strength.
Stay safe and always prioritize proper warm-up before any exercise routine.
Can Pike Push-Ups Be Incorporated Into a Full-Body Workout Routine?
Yes, pike push-ups can definitely be incorporated into a full-body workout routine. They offer numerous benefits for your entire body, including strengthening your shoulders, arms, and core muscles.
Plus, there are various variations and progressions you can try to challenge yourself and continue making progress. By adding pike push-ups to your workout routine, you can target multiple muscle groups and enhance your overall strength and fitness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating pike push-ups into your workout routine can bring numerous benefits to females. By utilizing proper form and technique, you can effectively target and strengthen the shoulders, triceps, and core muscles.
Beginners can make modifications to suit their fitness level, while advanced variations provide a challenge for those seeking to push their limits. Remember to avoid common mistakes and gradually increase difficulty for optimal progression.
Keep pushing yourself and enjoy the benefits of this effective exercise.

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.