How to Do Body-Up
Start and end of one clean rep of Body-Up.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Triceps |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Core, Forearms |
| Equipment | Bodyweight |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Body-Up
- Assume a plank position on the ground. You should be supporting your bodyweight on your toes and forearms, keeping your torso straight. Your forearms should be shoulder-width apart. This will be your starting position.
- Pressing your palms firmly into the ground, extend through the elbows to raise your body from the ground. Keep your torso rigid as you perform the movement.
- Slowly lower your forearms back to the ground by allowing the elbows to flex.
- Repeat.
Muscles worked
- Triceps (primary): straightens the elbow to lock out every press and pushdown.
- Core (secondary): braces the trunk and resists twisting to protect the spine.
- Forearms (secondary): controls your grip and keeps the wrist steady under load.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Bodyweight movement: once you own the top of a rep range, progress by slowing the tempo, pausing at the hardest point, or moving to a harder variation instead of adding load.
Form tips
- Fix the elbows in place and let only the forearms move, keeping the load on the triceps.
- Own the largest range you can control with clean form before you chase extra reps.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Control the lowering phase — a 2–3 second descent builds more than dropping the weight.
Common mistakes
- Letting the elbows flare and drift forward so the shoulders quietly take over.
- Cutting the range short to squeeze out extra reps instead of owning each full one.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Body-Up work?
Body-Up mainly works the triceps, with the core, forearms helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Body-Up?
None — Body-Up is a bodyweight movement, so you only need your bodyweight and a little space.
How many sets and reps should I do for Body-Up?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Bodyweight movement: once you own the top of a rep range, progress by slowing the tempo, pausing at the hardest point, or moving to a harder variation instead of adding load.
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