How to do the Diamond Push-Up
Primary: Triceps, Chest · also works Front Delts, Core. Also called: triangle push up.
Step by step
- 1
Place your hands close together under your chest so your thumbs and index fingers form a diamond.
- 2
Extend your legs and set your body in a straight line.
- 3
Lower your chest toward your hands, keeping your elbows tucked close to your ribs.
- 4
Press back up until your arms are straight.
Coaching cues
- Keep elbows tracking back, not out
- If your wrists hurt, widen the hands slightly
- Brace your core the whole set
Common mistakes
- Flaring the elbows wide
- Letting the hips sag
- Placing the hands too far below the chest
Sets, reps and where it fits
Muscle
3–4 × 6–15
rest 60–90 s
Strength
4–5 × 4–6
rest 2–3 min
Fat loss
3 × 10–15
rest 45–60 s
Diamond Push-Up alternatives
Same movement pattern, different equipment or difficulty. Swap one-for-one in any plan.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Diamond Push-Up work?
Primary: Triceps, Chest. Secondary: Triceps, Chest, Front Delts, Core
How many sets and reps of Diamond Push-Up should I do?
For muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–15 reps. For strength on compound lifts: 4–5 sets of 4–6. Rest 60–120 seconds between sets.
What can I do instead of the Diamond Push-Up?
Same movement pattern, different equipment: Close-Grip Push-Up, Close-Grip Bench Press, Triceps Pushdown, Bench Dip, Incline Push-Up, Knee Push-Up.
Is the Diamond Push-Up good for beginners?
With some training experience, yes. Beginners should start with one of the easier alternatives listed and progress to it.