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Spider Crawl Push Up

A push-up with an alternating knee-to-elbow crawl step that combines upper-body pressing with hip flexor drive and rotational core control.

LegsBodyweightHorizontal press with hip flexion
GoLightWeight mediaspider-crawl-push-up

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Pectoralis majorHip flexors

Secondary

TricepsAnterior deltoidsObliquesGlutes

Equipment

Bodyweight

Pattern

Horizontal press with hip flexion

Setup

  1. 01Start in a strong plank with hands under the shoulders.
  2. 02Squeeze the glutes and brace the trunk into a straight line.
  3. 03Set the feet about hip width for a stable base.
  4. 04Look slightly ahead of the hands to keep the neck neutral.

Execution

  1. 01Lower into a push-up while driving one knee out and up toward the same-side elbow.
  2. 02Touch the low point of the push-up with the knee beside the elbow.
  3. 03Press back up as the leg returns to the plank.
  4. 04Repeat on the other side, alternating each rep.

Checkpoints

  • -Hips stay level; they do not pike up or sag as the knee travels.
  • -Chest reaches the same depth as a normal push-up every rep.
  • -The knee moves outside the torso toward the elbow, not under the body.
  • -Elbows stay at roughly 45 degrees from the torso.

Common mistakes

  • -Cutting the push-up depth once the leg starts moving.
  • -Twisting the hips open toward the moving leg.
  • -Rushing the crawl step and losing the plank line.
  • -Letting the head drop toward the floor.

Programming notes

  • -Use 2 to 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps per side with strict depth.
  • -Works well in circuits as a combined press and mobility drill.
  • -Regress to the knee drive without the push-up if pressing depth breaks down.

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