I can't even do cheater push ups!!!!!

[FAT BOTTOM GIRL]

I just got STS and start week 1 disc 1 today, I couldn't complete the push up intervals even on my knee's. Am I going to be able to continue on with the dvd's or should I stay on disc 1 till I can accomplish push ups?
Thanks

 

[dr.mel_PT]

I did as many as I could with good form in the 1st Mesocycle. The 1st time I definitely couldn't complete the sets in their entirety. Another poster offered GREAT advice and that was to use a couch or a high chair and try to progress in intervals. So like, the 1st disc I used the top of the couch to do my pushups. When I felt stronger, I graduated to the arm of the couch, then the cushion part, then on my knees/toes. Eventually I got stronger and by the end of Mesocycle 1, I was able to complete a few on my toes and the remaining sets on my knees. I continued moving onto the next DVD in the rotation, so I don't think it's necessary to stay on disc 1 until you can complete a set. If anything, I'd say if you really want to, add a few extras at the end of the session. HTH!!

 

[syzygy314]

Never fear! I had to do only what I could and stop and wait for Cathe to finish! I noticed being able to do a few more in the early sets as I progress through Meso 1 (6 1/2 month rotation). All of these were on my knees.

During my rest week, I attempted military style pushups and, to my own surprise, I was able to do 3!

So, just keep doing whatever you can even if it's only 1 or 2 by the last set and you will find that you get stronger as you go! I'm hoping by my next time through to be doing all of them on my knees and eventually be doing them military style! I was barely able to do one of the bootcamp style one! The straddle pushups - not a single one!

So, don't feel bad and don't stop! Just keep going! You will get better at it!

 

[jthornton202264]

I just got STS and start week 1 disc 1 today, I couldn't complete the push up intervals even on my knee's. Am I going to be able to continue on with the dvd's or should I stay on disc 1 till I can accomplish push ups?
Thanks

I, too, can't do push ups (even on my knees -- I have shoulder issues). On STS (and any other workout involving pushups), I just substitute with another chest exercise such as a chest press or chest fly. It's probably not working exactly the same muscles as push ups, but in my opinion it's a good substitute. It's the best I can come up with at least

A lot of people who have posted in the past have stated that they couldn't do pushups at first, but after doing STS for a while, they could. Hopefully you can work up to doing them as well. Anyhow -- hope this helps!

Julie

 

[Cosmo Mom]

Hi. I just started STS weights for the 3rd time, and just completed the 2nd week of Meso 1 tonight for those push ups! I have to tell you I am so much better at them than when I started.

Just modify your push ups and do as many as you can, pause if you must, but persist!

I was able to do all the drop sets, the bootcamp ones (still hard) and for the first time ever completed all the straddle pushups!

I'm not trying to brag, but just saying pushups are the hardest, but they are worth it!

I thought about posting tonight anyway after that workout that it was like giving birth - you forget how painful it is! LOL Good luck!

 

[bethj]

Don't be discouraged-just do as many as you can and rest. You will be amazed how much better you will get after you finish STS. This is exactly why you need to do STS! I started not being able to complete the pushups even on my knees; on my second time through, 6 months later, I can now do 20 big boy pushups without stopping, and do the rest on my knees.
Beth

 

[kathryn]

You can modify and progress in your push-ups by starting with a version that reduces the amount of weight you are pushing: the higher your hands are elevated, the easier the push-up is.

From easiest to hardest, push-ups progressions are:
hands on wall
hands on kitchen counter
hands on seat of a chair
hands on high step platform or step (you can start with more risers, then eliminate risers as you get better).

By progressing like this, on your toes, you will gradually develop strength in the muscles needed to do full push-ups. But don't be discouraged if you still end up doing some, or all, on your knees.

A push-up done on the toes is equivalent to lifting 75% of your body weight. Done on the knees, it's 65% of your body weight. Not a huge difference, IMO.

 

[maddiesmum]

Expert advice from one and all. I have never in my life done a full body push up on the toes. I couldn't care less either. There's so much else I can do with my body that I just cannot drum up the necessary concern to sweat it!

Like another poster here, I do lots on my knees and then sub another chest move while Cathe goes on and on and on and on......... or I do another move entirely for a muscle group I think is neglected somewhat or another move which matters to me as a runner to help prevent injury to the lower body, while I wait.

Try your best, accept that your best is good enough and head off and achieve other goals!

Clare

 

[FAT BOTTOM GIRL]

thank you

Thank you all so much for your encouragement regaurding my cheater push ups it is so great to know that I am not alone. I will push on and modify and do the best that I can. Thank you all.

 

[Amy Steppe]

Thank you all so much for your encouragement regaurding my cheater push ups it is so great to know that I am not alone. I will push on and modify and do the best that I can. Thank you all.

Don't give up! I used to despise push ups, but I kept at it and I almost always do them full body and can do as many reps as Cathe in STS.

I felt just like you when I began. I did not think there would be any way I could handle full body pushups.

It took me a LONG time to work up to that level though - about two years if I count back.

 

[bamajja]

I was so glad you posted this. I just started my rotation last night. I felt the exact same way. I had even gone to the table top before my arms became jello. I told my husband how many and the types and he said Cathe was amazing. (He can do push ups all day long, but was still impressed!) I just keep hoping that by the end of this I am going to be pleasantly surprised at what I have accomplished. We will see!!

 

[shannoncorrin]

they are hard!

Push ups are a very hard exercise. Cathe and the crew just makes them look easy!

 

[nicolegadino]

Hi -
Just keep trying, I started out at only being able to do 1 on my knees and worked by way up until I could do a regular push up. Eventually, you will geet there, you just need to be patient.

 

[melanalyus]

I suck at those too! I'm so bad......I do "terminators" and "suiciders" on a BOSU ball......and even then it's rough!