Weighted push-up
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How to do it
Weighted push-up. Vest or plate on back. High pec activation without a barbell.
Muscles worked
Mainly pecho. Train it inside a balanced routine to progress safely.
Recommended sets and reps
As a compound lift, it fits in 3–5 sets of 5–12 reps leaving 1–3 reps in reserve (RIR). Prioritize it at the start of the session, when you're fresh.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bouncing the bar or dumbbells off the chest instead of controlling the final part of the range.
- Using too much weight at the cost of technique and full range of motion.
- Doing reps too fast, without controlling the eccentric (lowering) phase.
Alternative exercises
Add it to your routine
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Weighted push-up work?
Weighted push-up mainly works the pecho muscle group, plus synergist and stabilizer muscles depending on the variation.
How many sets of Weighted push-up should I do?
Between 3 and 5 sets per session, adjusting the total weekly volume for pecho to your level (about 10–20 sets per muscle per week).
Is Weighted push-up good for building muscle?
Yes. Combined with progressive overload, good technique and enough rest, it's an effective tool to grow pecho.
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