Can You Do Incline Pushups Using a Kitchen Counter?

The incline pushup targets the chest, triceps and front shoulder muscles the same as the standard pushup does, but your body angle reduces the amount of weight you press, making the exercise easier. Although you can use your kitchen counter to do pushups, it is a beginner-level exercise, and eventually you will need to use a lower surface to make the pushup more challenging.

  1. The Incline Pushup

    • A standard pushup is performed on an even surface -- your hands and feet are on the same level. An incline pushup is performed with your hands higher than your feet. The technique is the same for either pushup variation. Position your hands about shoulder-width apart. Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles throughout the exercise. Do not let your hips curve inward or push outward. Balance on the balls of your feet. Allow your elbows to flare out as you lower your body.

    Kitchen-Counter Pushup

    • When performing an incline pushup on a kitchen counter, you must position your body at the correct angle. Grab the edge of the counter with a shoulder-width grip. Step back away from the counter, balancing on the balls of your feet. Keep your body rigid and your hips in line with your body. The distance you step back is determined by the height of the counter. When you lower into the pushup, the midline of your chest should be in line with your hands. If your face or neck are in line with your hands, step forward with your feet. If your stomach is in line with your hands, step back with your feet, always keeping your body in a straight line.

    Difficulty Level

    • The higher you place your hands, the easier the pushup is. The most basic pushup is a wall pushup, which positions your body almost perpendicular to the floor. Placing your hands on a lower surface angles your body more horizontal to the floor -- nearing a standard pushup -- which makes the exercise more difficult because you are pressing more of your body weight. The average kitchen counter is relatively tall, so this pushup variation is more appropriate for beginner exercisers. Once you can complete 15 to 20 repetitions of the kitchen-counter pushup, increase the difficulty by placing your hands on a lower object, such as a sturdy chair or the edge of a bathtub.

    Precautions

    • Always make sure the surface on which you place your hands is sturdy and won't move or break. Clear any objects off the counter before starting your set. Wipe the counter dry to ensure your grip won't slip. Position yourself in a place on the counter where there is nothing around you on which you could hit your head, such as cabinets or small appliances. Make sure you have plenty of room to each side so your elbows don't hit anything as you lower into the pushup.