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Pike-To-Cobra Push-Up
A flowing push-up that moves from a hips-high pike into an upward cobra arch, combining shoulder pressing, hamstring and calf stretch, and spinal extension in one rep.
LegsBodyweightDynamic press (pike to extension)
GoLightWeight mediapike-to-cobra-push-up
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Anterior deltoidsPectoralis major
Secondary
TricepsSpinal erectorsHamstringsCore
Equipment
Bodyweight
Pattern
Dynamic press (pike to extension)
Setup
- 01Start in a pike position: hands and feet on the floor, hips pushed high, body in an inverted V.
- 02Set hands shoulder width apart and press the heels toward the floor.
- 03Keep the head between the arms, looking back at the feet.
Execution
- 01Bend the elbows and dive the chest forward and down, skimming just above the floor.
- 02Sweep the torso through and press up into a cobra: arms straight, chest tall, hips low.
- 03Keep the thighs lightly on or just above the floor in the cobra position.
- 04Reverse the motion, pushing the hips back and up to return to the pike.
- 05Repeat the flow with smooth continuous movement.
Checkpoints
- -The chest travels in a low scooping arc, not a straight-arm drop.
- -Shoulders stay away from the ears in both end positions.
- -The cobra extends the whole spine evenly rather than hinging at one point in the lower back.
- -Movement is fluid, with each rep matching the last.
Common mistakes
- -Skipping the scoop and simply doing a push-up between the two poses.
- -Cranking hard into the lower back at the top of the cobra.
- -Letting the elbows flare straight out during the dive.
- -Rushing so the stretch positions never fully register.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 5 to 10 slow reps in warm-ups or mobility circuits.
- -Build comfortable strict push-ups and a solid pike hold before flowing between them.
- -Works well as an upper body and spine primer before pressing sessions.
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