Hand Release Push-ups

Strict push-up variation that lifts the hands off the floor at the bottom to remove momentum

Difficulty

Intermediate

Primary muscles

Chest

Secondary muscles

Shoulders, Triceps

Equipment

None — bodyweight

How to do it

Lower into a push-up until your chest touches the floor, then lift your hands briefly off the ground before pressing back up explosively. This removes any stretch-reflex bounce and demands full control

Progressions

• Easier: Push-ups
• Easier: Wide Grip Push-ups
• Harder: Diamond Push-ups
• Harder: Decline Push-ups