How to do the Body-up
Body-up is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Triceps in the Upper Arms region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Chest and Shoulders.
Body-up demonstration · © GymiaFit
Body-up at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Triceps
- Secondary muscles
- Chest, Shoulders
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Body-up step by step
- 1Start by placing your hands on a raised surface, such as a bench or parallel bars, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
- 2Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground and your body straight.
- 3Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides, until your upper arms are parallel to the ground.
- 4Pause for a moment, then push through your palms to straighten your arms and lift your body back up to the starting position.
- 5Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Body-up — questions
What muscles does the Body-up work?
The Body-up primarily targets the Triceps. It also recruits the Chest, Shoulders as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Body-up?
None — the Body-up uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the Body-up suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Body-up?
Bodyweight Kneeling Triceps Extension, Overhead Triceps Stretch, Stalder Press train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Body-up demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.