Claw Pushup

Written By: Todd Kuslikis
October 11, 2011

This exercise is great especially for developing strength in the hand. Have you ever shaken someone’s hand and it felt that you had your hand in a vice grip? Well after doing this exercise for a few months, you will now be that guy.

How to do a Claw Pushup:

Get in a standard push-up position, however, you’re going to be on your finger tips instead of your palms.  lower yourself down until your nose touches the ground. Push back up. Repeat.

Muscle group worked:

Claw push-up of course works your chest and arm muscles, but also focuses on strengthening the muscles of the hand and forearm.

Target Repetitions for Muscle Growth: 6-8

Target Repetitions for Muscle Tone/Endurance: 8-12

Why Claw Pushups work:

This exercise works because it puts a great amount of strain on your hands and fingers. You have to clasp your fingers together to hold yourself in the air. That’s why it works so well and gives you a vice grip strength.

Tips: It’s important to remember for this exercise to keep your fingers locked. Don’t go directly on your fingertips with your knuckles bent. This is not good for your finger joints. Lock your fingers out and spread your fingers. This is the proper way to do a Claw Pushup.

Important!: Breathe in as you lower your body toward the ground breath out as you push away from the ground.

Show/Hide Comments (6 comments)
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6 Comments
  1. Prajwal

    Hey. Should my fingers be wide or close? And after doing this pushup will my hands be strong?

    Reply
    • Todd Kuslikis

      Hi there,

      Wide is the way to go and this exercise will definitely make your hands stronger.

      – Todd

      Reply
      • Prajwal

        So this pushups builds solid hand strength. And should I be on my fingertips or should it be bent?

        Reply
        • Todd Kuslikis

          It does build a lot of hand strength, and you should ideally do it on your finger tips. Try it.

          – Todd

          Reply
  2. krish

    how to do correct push up?finger lock or spread wide?

    Reply
    • Todd Kuslikis

      Hi Krish,

      For claw push ups, it’s a good idea to vary the distance between your fingers.

      – Todd

      Reply
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