Examining Muscles Engaged: A Look at Liebacks

Push-ups are a popular exercise that many people incorporate into their fitness routines. But what muscles exactly are being worked during this exercise? Let's take a closer look.

First and foremost, push-ups primarily train the chest muscles, specifically the pectoralis major and minor muscles. This is because these muscles are responsible for moving the arms forward and across the body during the push-up motion.

However, push-ups don't just train the chest. They also engage several other muscles to ensure proper form and stability. For instance, the triceps brachii muscle, located at the back of the upper arm, is engaged during push-ups to help extend the elbow joint and push the body upwards.

Shoulder muscles, such as the deltoid muscle, are also worked during push-ups. The deltoid muscle is involved in the push-up motion, particularly when the arms are extended and then bent at the elbow.

Abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis and the obliques, are also activated during push-ups. This is due to the continuous maintenance of core tension during the exercise, which helps to stabilise the spine and pelvis.

Leg muscles are indirectly engaged during push-ups, as they help to maintain a rigid body position and prevent the hips from sagging or lifting excessively. However, it's important to note that the quadriceps femoris muscle, located at the front of the thigh, is not directly trained by push-ups.

The gluteus maximus muscle, located at the buttocks, is not directly trained by push-ups, but they can indirectly train the gluteal muscles due to the leg engagement mentioned earlier.

It's also worth noting that some muscles, such as the serratus anterior, rhomboideus major and minor, and the erector spinae, are not directly engaged during push-ups. While these muscles may not be the primary focus of push-ups, they are indirectly engaged to some extent to maintain proper posture and alignment.

In conclusion, push-ups are a versatile exercise that works multiple muscle groups, including the chest, triceps, shoulder, and abdominal muscles. By incorporating push-ups into your fitness routine, you can not only strengthen these muscles but also improve your overall physical fitness.