Pike push up

Overview

The pike push up keeps hips high in an inverted V so the press becomes more vertical—similar in spirit to an overhead pressing angle. It is a stepping stone toward handstand work for many athletes.

How to perform

1. 1

   Start in a downward-dog style position: hands shoulder-width, hips piked high, heels reaching toward the floor.

2. 2

   Lower your head and shoulders toward the space between your hands—elbows bend back and slightly out, not a strict diamond tuck.

3. 3

   Touch or nearly touch the floor with the crown or upper head protectively—use a mat; never slam.

4. 4

   Press back up to the pike without sinking the hips into a broken plank.

Common mistakes

• ×

  Turning it into a flat push up by dropping the hips.

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  Placing hands too narrow for shoulder comfort.

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  Collapsing through the lower back instead of bracing the core.

Tips

• ➝

  Elevate hands on a step to reduce load while you learn the path.

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  Look slightly back toward your feet, not straight down at the floor.

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  Quality depth beats sloppy extra reps.