Shoulder Tap Push-up (female)

Shoulder Tap Push-up demonstration gif

Instructions:

  • 1Start in a high plank position, with shoulders directly above your wrists
  • 2Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor
  • 3Push your body up and tap your left shoulder with your right hand
  • 4Lower your body back down and repeat, but this time tap your right shoulder with your left hand
  • 5Keep alternating sides for a set number of reps

Tips:

  • Ensure your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels
  • Keep your core engaged and resist the urge to tilt your hips as you tap
  • Breathe out as you push up and breathe in as you lower
  • Try not to rush the movement; focus on control and form

Shoulder Tap Push-Up: Strengthening Your Upper Body

The shoulder tap push-up is a dynamic bodyweight exercise that effectively targets multiple muscles in the upper body, specifically the pectoralis major clavicular head and sternal head. This challenging variation of the traditional push-up not only builds strength but also enhances stability and coordination.

Benefits of Shoulder Tap Push-Ups

Engaging in shoulder tap push-ups offers numerous benefits, making them an excellent addition to any fitness routine. Some of the primary advantages include:

  • Improved Core Stability: The exercise requires you to maintain a stable body position while alternating taps, which strengthens your core.
  • Muscle Engagement: Beyond just the chest, shoulder tap push-ups engage various muscle groups, including the shoulders, triceps, and core, providing a comprehensive workout.
  • Enhanced Coordination: The action of tapping your shoulder while maintaining form helps improve unilateral coordination and balance.

Muscles Worked

When performing shoulder tap push-ups, you primarily work the following muscles:

  • Pectoralis Major (Clavicular and Sternal Heads)
  • Deltoids
  • Triceps
  • Core Muscles (including the obliques and rectus abdominis)

How to Perform Shoulder Tap Push-Ups

To effectively execute shoulder tap push-ups, follow these instructions:

  1. Start in a standard push-up position, with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Engage your core, maintain a straight line from your head to your heels, and lower your body toward the ground as you would in a regular push-up.
  3. As you push back up, lift your right hand and tap your left shoulder, returning it to the starting position.
  4. Repeat with your left hand tapping the right shoulder.

Tips for Success

To maximize the effectiveness of shoulder tap push-ups, consider the following tips:

  • Maintain a strong core throughout the movement to prevent your hips from sagging or rising.
  • Start slowly to focus on form before increasing your speed.
  • If standard push-ups are too challenging, modify the exercise by performing it on your knees.

Try incorporating shoulder tap push-ups into your workout routine today and experience the benefits for your upper body strength, stability, and coordination! Whether you refer to them as shoulder touch push-ups or shoulder taps push-up position, this exercise is sure to enhance your fitness journey.

Shoulder Tap Push-up Muscles Worked

Arms

Back

Core

Legs