Muscle Focus of Liebacks: An Examination

Push-ups primarily target the chest, shoulders, and triceps muscles. The pectoral muscles in the chest, the anterior deltoids in the shoulders, and the triceps brachii in the arms are the specific muscles that get stressed and potentially stimulated for growth during push-ups.

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2025 September 17 . 3:19 PM

2 min read

Muscle Focus of Liebacks: An Examination

Push-ups are a classic exercise with a rich history, dating back centuries as a fundamental bodyweight strength training method. While they primarily train the chest muscles, several other muscle groups are also engaged during this exercise.

The triceps brachii muscle, located on the back of the upper arm, plays a significant role in the execution of push-ups. The triceps help to extend the elbow joint, thereby pushing the body away from the floor during the upward phase of the push-up.

The pectoralis major and minor muscles, located in the chest, are also trained during push-ups. These muscles work together to flex the shoulder joint and adduct the humerus, or the upper arm bone, during the downward and upward phases of the push-up.

The deltoid muscle, which forms the rounded shoulder, is engaged during the push-up, particularly during the Liegestützen (German name for push-ups). The deltoid helps to stabilise the shoulder joint and assist in the movement of the arm.

While the erector spinae muscle, running along the spine, is not primarily engaged by push-ups, it may be involved to some extent. This muscle helps to maintain the spine's curvature and stability during the exercise.

The abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, are also engaged during push-ups. These muscles work to stabilise the core and help to maintain a rigid trunk during the exercise. However, the rectus abdominis is not primarily engaged during push-ups.

The gluteal muscles, located in the buttocks, are not the primary muscles trained by push-ups, but they may be engaged to some extent. This engagement is likely due to the need for the gluteus muscles to stabilise the pelvis and maintain a neutral spine during the exercise.

Similarly, the quadriceps femoris muscle, located on the front of the thigh, does not play a significant role in traditional push-ups. However, it may be involved in variations such as push-ups with foot elevated.

The rhomboideus major and minor muscles, located between the vertebrae and the scapula, are not the primary muscles trained by push-ups, but they may be engaged to some extent. This engagement is likely due to the need for these muscles to retract the scapula and maintain a stable shoulder girdle during the exercise.

The serratus anterior muscle, located on the side of the chest, is not a primary muscle trained by push-ups. This muscle helps to rotate the scapula and protract it, but its role in push-ups is minimal.

Finally, the gluteus maximus muscle, the largest muscle in the body, is not the primary muscle trained by push-ups, but it may be engaged to some extent. This engagement is likely due to the need for the gluteus muscles to stabilise the pelvis and maintain a neutral spine during the exercise.

In conclusion, while push-ups primarily train the chest muscles, several other muscle groups are also engaged during this exercise. Understanding these muscles can help individuals to perform push-ups more effectively and to target specific muscle groups in their workouts.