Which muscles help stabilize the scapula during a push-up?

The muscles that help stabilize the scapula during a push-up are indeed the pectoralis minor and the serratus anterior.

The pectoralis minor, located underneath the pectoralis major, assists in stabilizing the scapula by pulling it forward and downward toward the rib cage. This stabilization is crucial during a push-up, as it helps maintain proper shoulder alignment and prevents any excessive motion that could lead to injuries.

The serratus anterior plays a significant role as well; its primary function is to facilitate scapular protraction and upward rotation. During the push-up movement, this muscle activates to keep the scapula firmly against the thoracic wall, which aids in maintaining optimal shoulder mechanics. Proper scapular stability ensures that the upper body can efficiently execute the pushing motion without compromising shoulder integrity.

While other muscles mentioned may assist in upper body movements, they do not specifically focus on scapular stabilization in the same way that the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior do during a push-up.