---
title: Diamond Push-Up
seo_title: How to do diamond push-ups
skill: do clean diamond push-ups
tags: [push, chest, arms]
image: 13-diamond-push-up.mp4
image_source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtU2VQVuLYs
image_credit: Marcus Filly
image_credit_url: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwJhoAPAoUfinWSLioVjNog
image_title: "Diamond Push Up"
image_clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtU2VQVuLYs?0:00.00-0:03.00
authors: []
prerequisite: push-up
track: reps
published: 2026-04-17
---

The diamond push-up takes the standard [push-up](/calisthenics/push-up) and cranks up the triceps demand. You bring your hands in under your chest so your thumbs and index fingers touch, forming a diamond (or triangle) shape. From there, it's a normal push-up, but with a much shorter lever for the triceps and a bigger reach for the elbows.

Strong triceps matter for every pressing progression that follows: dips, handstand push-ups, and eventually planche. The diamond push-up is how you start building that tricep strength without having to find parallel bars.

## How to do it

Set up in a push-up position and slide your hands in until your thumbs and index fingers touch, forming a diamond under your sternum. Keep your body long and tight. Bend your elbows and lower your chest to your hands. Your elbows will flare somewhat outward, more than a standard push-up. Press back up to full extension.

## Target

- **Sets:** 3
- **Reps:** 10
- **Rest:** 90 seconds between sets
- **Advance when:** 3×10 with full range of motion (chest touching hands)

## Key tips

- Hands directly under your chest, not under your face
- Elbows will flare slightly more than a regular push-up. That's expected
- Keep your core tight and body in a straight line. No sagging hips
- If 3x10 on the floor is too hard, do diamond push-ups on an incline (hands elevated)