Wide Push Up vs Lay Down Push-up
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Wide Push Up is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Chest form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Wide Push Up and Lay Down Push-up and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Wide Push Up vs Lay Down Push-up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Lay Down Push-up more often — 656 sessions compared to 494 for Wide Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Wide Push Up and Lay Down 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 Wide Push Up and Lay Down Push-up Differ
| What differs | Wide Push Up | Lay Down Push-up |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 494 sessions | 656 sessions |
How to Do Wide Push Up
Wide Push Up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself until your chest is just about to touch the ground.
- 2. Engage your chest and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please go down only as much as you can without straining your shoulders.
- 2. Keep your core engaged to prevent your hips from dropping.
For a full Wide Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Push Up exercise guide.
How to Do Lay Down Push-up
Lay Down Push-up Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Lie on the floor with your hands under your shoulders.
- 2. Extend your arms and lift your body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your upper body straight when doing push-up plus.
For a full Lay Down Push-up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lay Down Push-up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Wide Push Up or Lay Down Push-up?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Chest, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Wide Push Up and Lay Down Push-up need?
Wide Push Up needs bodyweight only, and Lay Down Push-up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Push Up is the easier place to start. Move to Lay Down Push-up once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
