TETSUBody-Up vs Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up
The Body-Up and the Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up both train the triceps as their primary muscle. The Body-Up is bodyweight-only while the Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up uses a medicine ball. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Body-Up | Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | triceps | triceps |
| Body part | upper arms | upper arms |
| Supporting muscles | chest and shoulders | chest and shoulders |
| Equipment | bodyweight | medicine ball |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 4 |
How each one starts
Body-Up — first steps
- Start by placing your hands on a raised surface, such as a bench or parallel bars, with your palms facing down and fingers pointing forward.
- Extend your legs out in front of you, keeping your heels on the ground and your body straight.
Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up — first steps
- Start in a high plank position with your hands on the medicine ball, shoulder-width apart.
- Lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Body-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. The Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up suits explosive, power-focused reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the triceps adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Body-Up better than the Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up?
Neither is universally better — both train the triceps as the primary mover. The Body-Up needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up suits explosive, power-focused reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Body-Up and the Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the triceps. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Body-Up and the Medicine Ball Close Grip Push Up work the same muscles?
Yes — the primary muscle is the same (triceps) and both rely on the same supporting muscles: chest and shoulders.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.