Twisting push up: muscles worked

melioguide.com | Margaret Martin, PT

Anatomical figure showing muscles worked during twisting push up

Deltoids

Anterior shoulders stabilize and press during the push up, then support full body weight during the twist

Obliques

Internal and external obliques drive the rotation into the side plank — the key twist muscles

Deep abdominals

Transverse abdominis braces the spine throughout, keeping it neutral during the push and rotation

Pectorals

Pectoralis major is the primary push muscle, controlling the lowering and pressing phases

Triceps

Extend the elbows during the press and power the explosive push into rotation

Bone loading sites

Weight-bearing through wrists, spine, and hips stimulates bone remodelling — key for osteoporosis

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