Push-up alternatives

An incline push-up keeps bodyweight pressing with the hands raised. Dumbbell, machine and band chest presses provide other ways to keep a compound pressing slot.

Choose by the support and resistance you need. Raising the hands changes how much bodyweight you press; externally loaded options require a fresh load rather than a push-up conversion.

Two-frame anatomical illustration of a standard floor push-up. On the left, a man holds the top position on straight arms and toes with his body in one line. On the right, his elbows are bent diagonally back and his chest is close to the floor. The chest, front of the shoulders and backs of the upper arms are shaded red in both frames.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Two-frame anatomical illustration of an incline push-up on a low padded box, shown near the bottom and on straight arms, with the chest, front shoulders and triceps highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Incline push-up

    You need: Stable bench or box for raised-hand push-ups

    Why it fits
    Keeps a push-up while raising the hands on a stable surface.
    What changes
    Raising your hands on a bench or box reduces the share of bodyweight you press. It must not slide; keep your body in one line and select a height you can control.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a flat dumbbell bench press in two frames, side by side on white. In the left frame the lifter lies on a flat bench at the bottom of the rep, palms facing forward, elbows out and down so the upper arms sit at about the line of the torso and the dumbbells are level with the chest. In the right frame the same lifter is at lockout, arms straight overhead with the dumbbells close together above the shoulders. Both figures are drawn with the skin removed to show the muscles, and the chest is shaded red in both frames, with the back of the upper arm picked out in the lockout frame. Feet are flat on the floor and the shoulder blades stay on the bench.

    Similar movement

    Dumbbell bench press

    You need: Dumbbells + Flat bench

    Why it fits
    Keeps a compound chest press with independent hand movement.
    What changes
    You lie on a flat bench and press dumbbells instead of moving your body between the hands and feet. Torso support, setup and resistance all change.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a seated machine chest press at the bent-arm and extended-arm positions, with the chest, front shoulders and triceps highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Chest press

    You need: Chest press machine

    Why it fits
    Keeps a compound chest press with adjustable resistance.
    What changes
    A seated back pad and guided handles replace the floor-supported body. Adjust the seat and choose a load appropriate to that machine.
    See exercise guide
  • Female anatomical model pressing two band handles forward from a split stance, with chest, shoulder and upper-arm muscles shaded red.

    Similar movement

    Band chest press

    You need: Resistance band + Pair of compatible resistance-band handles + Secure chest-height band anchor

    Why it fits
    Keeps a forward pressing action without a bench or weights.
    What changes
    The linked guide stands in a staggered stance with a band anchored behind you. Check the anchor; band stretch replaces the push-up’s bodyweight resistance.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

Explore alternatives by exercise