P90X Question

[chefling]

For a little background... I'm 51 w/ about 20 lbs to lose.

My goal is to be able to do quality, quantitive big boy push-ups and pull-ups and drop the 20lbs... is it doable? In 90 days?

I realize the weight is largely a result of my diet and I'm determined to keep it clean starting the 1st and really the pounds are secondary. What I really want to accomplish is the push-ups. Is it possible? in 90 days?

I ask because it has been a goal of mine for over a year and try as I might I can't seem to accomplish this. What is the secret? Good arm strength? Good abdominal strength? good hand position? Any hints? Also, I can hold the position as in a plank, it's once I bend my elbows to go down that I pretty much fall..

TIA

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi-

Yep, P90x is the series for you if these are your goals. All of the chest work done in this series is based on pushups, there isn't any chest press or fly work in the series.

Can you do pushups on your knees? That is the best place to start. The nice thing about doing pushups on your knees is that you can get a really nice range of motion down so that when you get strong enough to go straight legged, your form should be really nice and the exercise will be very effective for your upper body.

You WILL be able to do straight legged pushups if you keep working it!!

In P90x, every variation of Pushup is done..don't feel discouraged if you can't get through it... they are tough!!


Take care, Lynn M.

 

[pinkquinn]

I'll bet you will be able to do some push ups when you are done.

Good core strength helped me.Doing some chest work could help to. Wait until your girl push ups are easy and then demand one good push up. We can do more than we think.

 

[chefling]

Thanks Ladies, I can do push-ups on my knees and try to get as prone as possible. I've been doing these for years though but maybe not as persistent as I should. I feel the workout in my chest and even in my abs so maybe I just need to focus more.

Thanks!

 

[mspina]

It's a big leap to go from knee push-ups to straight leg push-ups - if you can do knee push-ups but can't do a single straight leg push-up, I'd suggest doing straight leg push-ups on an incline. Start with your hands on a table, edge of the sofa, hands on a step a few steps up your staircase, etc. - find whatever height allows you to do a few with proper form. Keep your entire body straight as a board and really focus on keeping your core (glutes, lower back, abs) nice and strong as you execute the move. As you get stronger, lower the height of your hands until you are eventually on the floor.

Alternatively, (or in addition to), you can do either the negative or the positive portion of a straight leg push-up. Go down on your knees, but then straighten your legs and push yourself back up. Or lower yourself down in a straight leg position, drop your knees, then push-up on knees.

Keep at it, and you'll be able to do them ALL straight legged!!!!!!

 

[chefling]

Thanks MsPina, I was just reading MsKrista from Sumptious.com and she suggested the same thing. I still have my firm incline bench. I'll try that in tomorrow's workout. I'm excited. You ladies have given me hope.

 

[DirtDiva]

It's a big leap to go from knee push-ups to straight leg push-ups - if you can do knee push-ups but can't do a single straight leg push-up, I'd suggest doing straight leg push-ups on an incline. Start with your hands on a table, edge of the sofa, hands on a step a few steps up your staircase, etc. - find whatever height allows you to do a few with proper form. Keep your entire body straight as a board and really focus on keeping your core (glutes, lower back, abs) nice and strong as you execute the move. As you get stronger, lower the height of your hands until you are eventually on the floor.

Alternatively, (or in addition to), you can do either the negative or the positive portion of a straight leg push-up. Go down on your knees, but then straighten your legs and push yourself back up. Or lower yourself down in a straight leg position, drop your knees, then push-up on knees.

Keep at it, and you'll be able to do them ALL straight legged!!!!!!

Thanks for this most excellent idea! I'm nursing a sore shoulder and literally starting over in the push-up arena after being immobile since November 1st. Awesome advice!