Why lizards do push-ups, and what they’re actually communicating

Have you ever noticed how some lizards seem to perform push-ups when they are standing up against a wall, rock, or a tree branch? Many people wonder whether they are exercising, but actually, this is one way in which the lizards communicate with their surroundings. This behavior has been studied by scientists who have concluded that the lizard's push-ups are used in visual communication with other members of their kind.

(Photos from Shutterstock)

It is interesting to note that lizards have great vision, unlike many other animals whose communication relies heavily on sounds. Some species are very communicative, and they tend to express themselves through body movements. A push-up display makes a lizard stand out and sends messages to others from afar without having to make a noise. It is very common among territorial species such as anoles, iguanas, and fence lizards.

According to a report by, The Environmental Literacy Council, one of the most frequent reasons for doing push-ups is that a lizard is defending its land. Lizards typically reside in territories with sources of food, places to bask in the sun, and also females. If another male lizard intrudes, the resident lizard starts push-ups to claim ownership.

What does it mean? It means the lizard is telling the other lizard that “I am here, I am strong, so get out of my place.” Most often, the rival gives up after this display. Doing push-ups helps not only avoid an unnecessary fight but also saves energy and avoids possible injury.

Push-ups are important in courtship too. Males engage in displays to attract females during the breeding period. Displays of this sort indicate that males have good physical fitness, muscles, and good genes. Male lizards of species such as anoles include push-ups along with colorful dewlaps in their mating rituals. The females might judge these displays before selecting a mate. It might even be the females who do the displays to signal to nearby males that they are receptive.

To a female lizard, such a display by the males amounts to being a living billboard of his fitness.

Lizards can also use push-ups to signal possible danger. When a predator closes in, lizards will sometimes use their push-ups before running away. Why would lizards do this? Push-ups in this scenario are used to warn the predator that it is being seen. This may deter the predator from attacking because the lizard knows what is coming and is ready to run away. Experts refer to this phenomenon as “stotting,” similar to when gazelles perform this act in front of cheetahs.

Push-ups by different lizard species do not resemble each other in any way. Some have developed a slower pattern while others have a rapid head-bobbing pattern. Scientists think that unique patterns for each particular species allow lizards to distinguish between individuals of the same species and not mistake them for other reptiles living in the area.

One might say that the rhythm of push-ups for lizards has become an accent in their language.

Some researchers found out that due to their being cold-blooded, lizards need extra warmth. It seems possible that during their push-ups, they manage to generate some heat through muscle activity. Still, scientists tend to think of push-ups mostly as an important part of communication among lizards.

Lizards doing push-ups are like gymnasts exercising, but what they are actually doing has nothing to do with physical fitness and health benefits. On the contrary, push-ups are a very important form of communication. For instance, a lizard who sees his territory invaded will begin doing push-ups in order to show he is stronger than the intruder.