Pike Push Up vs Overhead Press
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions vs 231. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Pike Push Up and Overhead Press for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Pike Push Up vs Overhead Press : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions compared to 231 for Pike Push Up.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Pike Push Up and Overhead Press differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pike Push Up and Overhead Press Differ
| What differs | Pike Push Up | Overhead Press |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, chest, and triceps | front delts, side delts, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 231 sessions | 17,150 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- It's a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If the movement is difficult, please substitute it with another exercise.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pike Push Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pike Push Up Guide page of our blog!
How to Overhead Press
Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Lift the barbell above your head. Please lift it above your head, not in front of your body.
- 2. With your hips and core engaged, slowly lower the barbell to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. If you grip the barbell too wide, it can put strain on your shoulders, so please be careful.
- 2. If your hips and core lose tension, it can put strain on your lower back, so please be careful.
- 3. Your entire upper body must remain tight throughout the movement.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Pike Push Up or Overhead Press?
Planfit users log Overhead Press more often — 17,150 sessions against 231 for Pike Push Up. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Pike Push Up and Overhead Press work the same muscles?
Not quite. Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps, and Overhead Press loads front delts, side delts, and triceps.
What equipment do Pike Push Up and Overhead Press need?
Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only, and Overhead Press needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Overhead Press is the easier place to start. Move to Pike Push Up once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

