Close Grip Pushup alternatives
Close Grip Pushup is a compound triceps exercise. Its primary joint action is elbow extension. It also works your chest and shoulders.
- Target muscle
- Triceps
- Joint action
- elbow extension
- Type
- Compound
- Equipment
- Bodyweight and home
12 alternatives, ranked
All share the joint action elbow extension. Ranked the way the GainsLog app swaps exercises: same joint action first, then the same compound or isolation type.
| # | Exercise | Equipment | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assisted DipMachine · Compound | Machine | Compound |
| 2 | Close Grip Barbell Bench PressBarbell · Compound | Barbell | Compound |
| 3 | JM PressBarbell · Compound | Barbell | Compound |
| 4 | Machine DipMachine · Compound | Machine | Compound |
| 5 | Machine JM PressMachine · Compound | Machine | Compound |
| 6 | Smith Close Grip Bench PressSmith machine · Compound | Smith machine | Compound |
| 7 | Smith JM PressSmith machine · Compound | Smith machine | Compound |
| 8 | Bench DipBodyweight and home · Compound | Bodyweight and home | Compound |
| 9 | DipBodyweight and home · Compound | Bodyweight and home | Compound |
| 10 | Elevated Bench DipBodyweight and home · Compound | Bodyweight and home | Compound |
| 11 | Back Supported Cable Tricep PushdownCable · Isolation (different type) | Cable | Isolation(different type) |
| 12 | Back Supported Rope Tricep PushdownCable · Isolation (different type) | Cable | Isolation(different type) |
Swapping Close Grip Pushup mid-workout?
In the app, tap Swap on any exercise: GainsLog suggests alternatives ranked the same way (same joint action, then same type) and keeps a separate progression for each one.
How GainsLog picks a substitute
1
Same joint action
A substitute has to work your triceps through the same primary joint action as Close Grip Pushup: elbow extension. An exercise with a different joint action trains the muscle differently, so the app treats it as variety, not a swap.
2
Same compound or isolation type
Close Grip Pushup is a compound lift, so other compound lifts rank above isolation moves.
3
Spread across equipment
Equipment doesn't change the ranking. The list only caps how many picks come from each type of equipment, so there is an option whether you train with barbells, dumbbells, cables, machines or your bodyweight.
Swap exercises mid-workout in GainsLog
Tap swap on any exercise and the app suggests alternatives with the same joint action, then keeps a separate progression for each one so your targets stay honest.
FAQ
- What is the best alternative to Close Grip Pushup?
- Assisted Dip (Machine) ranks first. It works your triceps through the same joint action, elbow extension, and is a compound lift.
- What can I do instead of Close Grip Pushup at home?
- Try Bench Dip, Dip, or Elevated Bench Dip. They need only your bodyweight or a few free weights and use the same joint action.
- Will swapping Close Grip Pushup for an alternative slow my progress?
- Not if the swap uses the same joint action and you keep pushing your sets close to failure. Log the new exercise separately and build its progression from your first session.