Typewriter Push-Up
Primary
Chest
Secondary
Triceps, Shoulders, Core
Equipment
Bodyweight
Difficulty
Advanced
Type
Push
Typewriter Push-Up
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NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.
Typewriter push-ups stay in the bottom position while you slide laterally from arm to arm. Your body carves left to right like a typewriter carriage, keeping constant tension on your chest and arms. One of the hardest push-up variations that exists.
When to use it
Use for advanced chest training and progression.
Who it's for
Advanced calisthenics practitioners. Those mastering bodyweight pushing progressions. Anyone who finds archer push-ups too easy.
Stay low throughout—if you rise up during the slide, you are cheating. The lateral movement under load is what makes this exercise brutal. Wide hand position gives you more room to work.
Typewriter Push-Up — targeted muscles
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How do you perform the Typewriter Push-Up?
- 1
Start in a wide push-up position.
- 2
Lower down and shift your body to one side.
- 3
Your weight should be mostly on one arm.
- 4
Slide across to the other side while staying low.
- 5
Push up from the other side to complete one rep.
- 6
Continue alternating sides with control.
What are the best tips for the Typewriter Push-Up?
Keep your body close to the ground during the slide.
Wider hand placement makes it easier.
Engage your core to prevent sagging.
Move slowly and with full control.
When to Use the Typewriter Push-Up
Use typewriter push-ups only after mastering archer push-ups. Place them as your primary push-up challenge when other variations no longer test you. Low reps with quality form trump high reps with sloppy slides.
Common Typewriter Push-Up mistakes
Rising up during the sideways movement.
During any pressing movement like the Typewriter Push-Up, this mistake reduces how effectively your Chest (pectoralis major) can produce force. Focus on the muscle you're trying to work — if you can't feel your Chest (pectoralis major) driving the movement, something is off.
Not keeping the body in a straight line.
During any pressing movement like the Typewriter Push-Up, this mistake reduces how effectively your Chest (pectoralis major) can produce force. Focus on the muscle you're trying to work — if you can't feel your Chest (pectoralis major) driving the movement, something is off.
Moving too fast and losing form.
Rushing through the Typewriter Push-Up reduces the time your Chest (pectoralis major) spends under tension — which is one of the main drivers of growth. Aim for a controlled 2-second lowering phase on every rep.
Not shifting weight fully to each side.
Cutting the range of motion short on the Typewriter Push-Up means your Chest (pectoralis major) never reaches full stretch or full contraction. Research shows full range of motion produces significantly more muscle growth than partial reps at the same load.
Typewriter Push-Up — who it's best for
Advanced calisthenics practitioners. Those mastering bodyweight pushing progressions. Anyone who finds archer push-ups too easy.
How to Program the Typewriter Push-Up
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 5-8 reps per side. Rest 90-120s.
What are good alternatives to the Typewriter Push-Up?
Other Variations
- Half Typewriter Push-Up
- Elevated Typewriter Push-Up
Frequently Asked Questions About the Typewriter Push-Up
The Typewriter Push-Up primarily targets the Chest (pectoralis major), making it an effective exercise for chest development. Secondary muscles worked during the Typewriter Push-Up include Triceps, Shoulders, Core, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Obliques, Forearms.
The Typewriter Push-Up is rated as advanced difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Advanced calisthenics practitioners. Those mastering bodyweight pushing progressions. Anyone who finds archer push-ups too easy. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Typewriter Push-Up, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 5-8 reps per side. Rest 90-120s. For strength, use 3-5 reps per side. For muscle growth, perform 5-8 reps per side. For endurance, complete 8-12 reps per side.
Yes, the Typewriter Push-Up can be done at home with no equipment. It requires minimal space and is a great option for home workouts targeting chest.
Good alternatives to the Typewriter Push-Up include: Archer Push-Up, Wide Push-Up. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Typewriter Push-Up and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.
This Exercise Is in Your Plan
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Safety Notes
- Master wide push-ups before attempting.
- Stop if you feel shoulder discomfort.