Push up question

[Tallchick]

How often are we supposed to do the push-ups? Every day or every other day or......I did five with a 12" stand under my shins. I tried the stability ball and fell off, brusing my thigh (but my broken bursa sac flattened out nicely just a few days ago).
If I start with the stand under my shins, do I try to do the full 46 with the stand or try to do a few with the stand and then go to the floor...which is better? Thanks

 

[kathryn]

There's no "supposed to": everybody has their own technique. I personally would NOT do them every day. Every other day allows for recovery and reduces the change of overuse injuries to the shoulder joint.

Instead of the stand under the shins, why not try push-ups with your hands on a higher surface, and gradually decrease.

Depending on where you are right now, you could start with hands on a kitchen counter, then go to hands on the seat of a kitchen chair, then to hands on a step set at 12" or so, and gradually reduce the number of risers.

This progression allows your body to get used to the 'straight plank' position.

 

[Tallchick]

Thank you Kathryn...you always give great advice and I appreciate it!