# What muscles do push ups work **[What muscles do push ups work](https://planet-herbal.com/what-muscles-do-push-ups-work/)**: Push-ups primarily target the muscles in the chest, shoulders, and triceps. They engage the pectoralis major, deltoids, and triceps brachii. Push-ups also activate the core muscles, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis, for stability. Additionally, push-ups work the muscles in the arms, such as the biceps and forearms, as well as the muscles in the back and lower body to a lesser extent.