Pike Push Up vs Arm Walking Push Up
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Arm Walking Push Up is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Shoulder form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Pike Push Up and Arm Walking Push Up and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Pike Push Up vs Arm Walking Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pike Push Up more often — 231 sessions compared to 172 for Arm Walking Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pike Push Up and Arm Walking Push Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pike Push Up and Arm Walking Push Up Differ
| What differs | Pike Push Up | Arm Walking Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 231 sessions | 172 sessions |
How to Do Pike Push Up
Pike Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
- 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.
For a full Pike Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pike Push Up exercise guide.
How to Do Arm Walking Push Up
Arm Walking Push Up Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body and place your hands in front of your feet.
- 2. Use your arms to move until your body is in a straight line.
- 3. Do one push-up.
- 4. Use your arms to move back so that your hands are in front of your feet again.
- 5. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
For a full Arm Walking Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Arm Walking Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Pike Push Up or Arm Walking Push Up?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Pike Push Up and Arm Walking Push Up need?
Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only, and Arm Walking Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Arm Walking Push Up is the easier place to start. Move to Pike Push Up once your form holds up.
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