Gorilla push ups primarily work your shoulders, pecs (chest muscles), and triceps.
Gorilla push ups are a dynamic variation of the traditional push up that incorporates a forward jump with your feet as you lower your chest towards the ground, and a backward jump as you push back up. This added movement not only intensifies the standard push up benefits but also engages additional muscle groups. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Shoulders: The push-up motion, especially when explosive, directly targets the deltoids, contributing to shoulder strength and stability.
- Pecs (Chest Muscles): Gorilla push ups effectively work the pectoral muscles, responsible for adduction, flexion, and internal rotation of the arm.
- Triceps: These muscles on the back of your upper arms are crucial for extending the elbow joint during the push-up, thus benefiting from this exercise.
The explosive nature of the gorilla push up also adds a plyometric component, which can improve power and athleticism. They are sometimes used in athletic training to help athletes peak for important events.