what muscles do push ups work? Push-ups are a compound exercise that targets various muscle groups in the upper body. Discover the primary muscles worked during push-ups, including the chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor), shoulder muscles (deltoids), triceps, and core muscles. Explore how regular push-up practice can help strengthen and tone these muscles, improve upper body stability, and enhance overall functional fitness. Incorporate push-ups into your workout routine for a challenging and effective upper body workout.