Sphinx Push-Up

Technique

The sphinx push-up is a bodyweight triceps extension: from a forearm plank you press through the palms to straighten the elbows and lift the forearms off the floor, then lower back down. It isolates the triceps hard without equipment.

Steps

1. Start in a forearm plank with the forearms parallel and hands flat, about shoulder-width apart
2. Keeping the body straight, press through the palms to straighten the elbows until you reach a high plank
3. Lower slowly back onto the forearms
4. Move the hands slightly forward of the shoulders if it is too hard

Common mistakes

• Piking the hips up to make it easier
• Flaring the elbows wide

Variations

• Kneeling sphinx push-up
• Incline sphinx push-up on a bench

FAQ