Yes! The pushup is a full body exercise. You actually work several muscle groups. Here's more from Stew Smith, my SEAL Team swim buddy.
"Actually, your chest / shoulders / triceps are doing the actual pushup - BUT you also have to have the following muscles flexed ("working") during the entire movement or you would not be able to do a pushup:
abs / lower back / upperback / hips / thighs / calves
In order to straighten your legs you have to use your leg muscles - that is why the pushup is truly a full body exercise compared to a bench press that does the same basic movement.
It is an isometric flex in the legs but it still an effective exercise. To really work the legs you should add squats or the 8 count pushup...where you stand up in between each rep of a pushup."
Stew
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL, and author of several fitness and self defense books such as The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness, Maximum Fitness, and SWAT Workout. Certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and as military fitness trainer, Stew has trained hundreds of students for Navy SEAL, Special Forces, SWAT, FBI, ERT and many other law enforcement professions.
To follow-up, go to stewsmith.com
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