Clap Push Up
Description
The clap push-up is a plyometric push-up where you press up explosively with enough force to lift your hands off the floor, clap your hands together mid-air, then land back in the push-up position. It builds explosive upper-body power and is a core CrossFit and athletic training exercise.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Clap Push Up Instructions
- Get into a standard push-up position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Lower your chest toward the floor with control.
- Explode upward with maximum force. Push hard enough that your hands leave the floor.
- While airborne, quickly clap your hands together once.
- Bring your hands back to the push-up position before landing.
- Land softly with bent elbows to absorb the impact.
- Immediately drop into the next push-up.
- Master regular push-ups with explosive intent first. Use 3 to 8 reps per set.
Clap Push Up Form & Visual
Clap Push Up Benefits
- Builds explosive upper-body power
- Develops fast-twitch muscle fibers
- Trains the chest, triceps, and shoulders explosively
- Improves athletic pressing performance
- No equipment needed
- Impressive bodyweight skill
Clap Push Up Muscles Worked
- Pectoralis major
- Triceps brachii
- Anterior deltoid
- Serratus anterior
- Core (stabilizer)
Clap Push Up Variations & Alternatives
- Plyo Push-Up (no clap)
- Superman Push-Up
- Diamond Push-Up
- Decline Push-Up
- Behind-the-Back Clap Push-Up
- Triple-Clap Push-Up
