Short answer: Push-ups train chest, triceps, front shoulders and trunk stability. Pull-ups emphasize lats, upper back and elbow flexors. Use both when possible for balanced upper-body strength.
Movement patterns
A push-up is a horizontal press. A pull-up is a vertical pull. Each covers muscles and joint actions the other does not.
Difficulty
Push-ups scale easily with a wall or incline. Pull-ups often require a bar and assistance bands or rows before the first full rep.
Muscle goals
Choose push-ups for pressing and pull-ups for back and biceps. The article do push-ups work the back? explains why one does not replace the other.
Program both
Alternate sets using the balanced push/pull workout.
Let the push half power your RPG
RepSaga makes push-up sets into attacks while your full program still includes pull-ups and rows.
Frequently asked
Are pull-ups better than push-ups?
No. They train different movement patterns and muscles.
Can I do both in one workout?
Yes. Alternating sets is an efficient balanced approach.