10 Best Chest Push (Single Response) Alternatives for No Medicine Ball

Ranked Chest Push (Single Response) Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Chest Push (Single Response) on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page. Harder versions are tagged as progressions and kept out of the top spot even when they score higher.

1. Best match

   

   1. Heavy Bag Thrust

   94% match

   • Pectorals
   • Other
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   Pick this when you want a harder version that still works the pectorals.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Utilize a heavy bag for this exercise. Assume an upright stance next to the bag, with your feet staggered, fairly wide apart. Place your hand on the bag at about chest height. This will be your starting position.
   2. Begin by twisting at the waist, pushing the bag forward as hard as possible. Perform this move quickly, pushing the bag away from your body.
   3. Receive the bag as it swings back by reversing these steps.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
2. 

   Progression

   2. Chest Push (Multiple Response)

   99% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Begin in a kneeling position facing a wall or utilize a partner. Hold the ball with both hands tight into the chest.
   2. Execute the pass by exploding forward and outward with the hips while pushing the ball as hard as possible.
   3. Follow through by falling forward, catching yourself with your hands.
   4. Immediately return to an upright position. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
3. 

   Progression

   3. Chest Push With Run Release

   98% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Begin in an athletic stance with the knees bent, hips back, and back flat. Hold the medicine ball near your legs. This will be your starting position.
   2. While taking your first step draw the medicine ball into your chest.
   3. As you take the second step, explosively push the ball forward, immediately sprinting for 10 yards after the release. If you are really fast, you can catch your own pass!

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Chest Push (Single Response)
4. Play demonstration

   Progression

   4. Medicine Ball Chest Push From 3 Point Stance

   96% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start in a 3 point stance with one hand on the medicine ball and the other hand on the ground.
   2. Extend your legs and position your body in a straight line.
   3. Lower your chest towards the ground while keeping your back straight.
   4. Push the medicine ball away from your body, extending your arm fully.
   5. Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
5. Play demonstration

   Progression

   5. Medicine Ball Chest Push With Run Release

   94% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Advanced
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball at chest level.
   2. Step forward with your right foot and simultaneously push the medicine ball forward, extending your arms fully.
   3. As you push the ball forward, release it and let it roll forward.
   4. Quickly run forward and catch the ball before it hits the ground.
   5. Once you catch the ball, bring it back to your chest and repeat the movement with your left foot forward.
   6. Continue alternating legs and repeating the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Chest Push (Single Response)
6. Play demonstration

   Progression

   6. Medicine Ball Chest Pass

   94% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the medicine ball at chest level.
   2. Extend your arms forward, pushing the medicine ball away from your chest with force.
   3. As you release the ball, follow through with your arms and torso, transferring your weight from your back foot to your front foot.
   4. Catch the ball as it rebounds off the wall or partner, and immediately repeat the movement.
   5. Continue for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Chest Push (Single Response)
7. Play demonstration

   Progression

   7. Medicine Ball Chest Push Multiple Response

   94% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball at chest level.
   2. Extend your arms forward, pushing the medicine ball away from your chest.
   3. Pause for a moment, then slowly bring the medicine ball back to your chest.
   4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Chest Push (Single Response)
8. Play demonstration

   Progression

   8. Medicine Ball Chest Push Single Response

   94% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the medicine ball at chest level.
   2. Extend your arms forward, pushing the medicine ball away from your chest.
   3. Pause for a moment, then slowly bring the medicine ball back to your chest.
   4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Chest Push (Single Response)
9. 

   Progression

   9. Chest Push From 3 Point Stance

   92% match

   • Pectorals
   • Medicine-ball
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Begin in a three point stance, squatted down with your back flat and one hand on the ground. Place the medicine ball directly in front of you.
   2. To begin, take your first step as you pull the ball to your chest, positioning both hands to prepare for the throw.
   3. As you execute the second step, explosively release the ball forward as hard as possible.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
10. 

    10. Plyo Kettlebell Pushups

    90% match

    • Pectorals
    • Kettlebell
    • Advanced
    • Compound

    How to perform this exercise

    1. Place a kettlebell on the floor. Place yourself in a pushup position, on your toes with one hand on the ground and one hand holding the kettlebell, with your elbows extended. This will be your starting position.
    2. Begin by lowering yourself as low as you can, keeping your back straight.
    3. Quickly and forcefully reverse direction, pushing yourself up to the other side of the kettlebell, switching hands as you do so. Continue the movement by descending and repeating the movement back and forth.

    Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

    Why this matches

    • Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Chest Push (Single Response)
    • Body position: lying face down, not standing
    • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Chest Push (Single Response)