Kneeling Cobra Push up

Build upper body strength with the Kneeling Cobra Push-up. Target your chest, shoulders, and triceps, engage your core, and improve hip flexibility.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
45s per set30s rest

Description

This is an upper body strength exercise that targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps. It also engages your core and improves flexibility.

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How to Do Kneeling Cobra Push up

  1. 1
    Setup

    Begin kneeling on the floor with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward and directly under your shoulders.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Shift your hips forward until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your head, engaging your core and glutes.

  3. 3

    Inhale as you bend your elbows, lowering your chest towards the floor while keeping your elbows tucked close to your body.

  4. 4

    Once your chest is just above the ground, exhale and press through your palms, extending your elbows to push your body back up.

  5. 5

    As you push up, actively extend your hips and gently arch your lower back, lifting your chest and head towards the ceiling in a cobra-like stretch.

  6. 6

    Control the movement as you return your hips to the straight plank position, ready for the next repetition.

Tips

  • Maintain a strong core throughout the entire movement to protect your lower back, especially during the hip extension phase.
  • Keep your elbows relatively close to your body, aiming for a 45-degree angle from your torso, to effectively engage your triceps and chest.
  • Focus on the mind-muscle connection, actively squeezing your chest and triceps as you push up and feeling the stretch in your hips during the cobra pose.
  • Control both the lowering (eccentric) and pushing (concentric) phases of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and prevent momentum from taking over.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Allowing your hips to sag towards the floor during the push-up portion strains your lower back; maintain a rigid plank from knees to head by bracing your core and glutes.
  • ×Flaring your elbows out to the sides excessively can put undue stress on your shoulder joints; keep them tucked closer to your body to better target the chest and triceps.
  • ×Rushing the cobra extension can be ineffective or cause discomfort; perform the hip extension and chest lift smoothly and intentionally, feeling a controlled stretch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kneeling Cobra Push up good for beginners?
Kneeling Cobra Push up is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Kneeling Cobra Push up?
You need Body weight to perform Kneeling Cobra Push up. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Kneeling Cobra Push up?
Maintain a strong core throughout the entire movement to protect your lower back, especially during the hip extension phase. Keep your elbows relatively close to your body, aiming for a 45-degree angle from your torso, to effectively engage your triceps and chest. Focus on the mind-muscle connection, actively squeezing your chest and triceps as you push up and feeling the stretch in your hips during the cobra pose. Control both the lowering (eccentric) and pushing (concentric) phases of the movement to maximize muscle engagement and prevent momentum from taking over.
What are common mistakes when doing Kneeling Cobra Push up?
Allowing your hips to sag towards the floor during the push-up portion strains your lower back; maintain a rigid plank from knees to head by bracing your core and glutes. Flaring your elbows out to the sides excessively can put undue stress on your shoulder joints; keep them tucked closer to your body to better target the chest and triceps. Rushing the cobra extension can be ineffective or cause discomfort; perform the hip extension and chest lift smoothly and intentionally, feeling a controlled stretch.

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Kneeling Cobra Push up

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