Question
"If I do incline push-ups eg: my feet are on the edge of a high bed and my hands are on the floor, then I do my regular push-up. Will this build my upper pectoral muscles? Hope you can help. Thanks."

Chris Anfossi
Picton, ON

Answer
There is not universal agreement concerning the targeting of parts of major muscle groups. Muscle fibers are activated on an "all or nothing" basis—the entire muscle fiber either fires or it doesn't. The pectoral muscles do not contract individually, but are connected by fascia and will act as a unit for the most part. Any chest exercise that involves the pectoral muscles will involve the upper pectorals as well.

Performing incline push ups can certainly be a worthwhile exercise. Elevating the feet the way you mention will result in greater resistance for the chest muscles, etc., to work against. This could be especially helpful if your strength levels have increased to the point where regular push ups are no longer as challenging. When training any muscle group, it is important to periodically vary the types of exercises, volume of exercise and intensity of exercise. This would mean including incline bench press, decline bench press, dumbbell flyes and various push ups in your routine at times along with the traditional bench press.

Good luck with your program,

Rick Gerwin

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