Push ups

[lisa b]

I've been exercising faithfully for almost 2 years now. Weights and cardio. Thanks to you Cathe I LOVE working out!!! My only struggle seems to be push ups! I can only do them on my knees. SOOO frustrating!!! What's my problem??? I don't want to look like a sissy doing push ups anymore!
:7

 

[delicatesteph]

Hello and welcome!

Not Cathe, obviously, but I have been working out to Cathe for about 1 1/2 years and FINALLY did my first "man push-up" Saturday! :7 It was a great feeling. My DH gave me some pointers too and he noticed I was using my fingers more, not my palms, to push up. Do you have anyone around to watch your technique? I find this really helps.

You may want to visit this page on Cathe's website:

http://www.cathe.com/push_ups.htm

Good luck!

 

[earlyexerciser]

If you do a search, you will find lots of pointers (Really hold your body stiff/rigid, hold in your abs, make sure hands are straight below shoulders).

The best advice I have is to do a few EVERY day. I have been doing a few every morning since October. I could do about 4 with good form then and now I am up to around 30.

Practice. Practice!

Good luck!
Jenn

 

[FitToRide]

Hi Stephanie,

Thanks for posting that link! I too have trouble with these, and after looking at it, I don't think I'm bracing properly... I'll be sure to pay attention to that today in my workout.

Thanks again,

Tammy

 

[cheval]

Last night I did Low Impact Circuit. During this workout, Cathe does modified push-ups. What I dubbed half and half push ups. I'm sure there's some other name for them.

You start on your knees in the up position. Lower down your torso. Engage your toes and straighten your body. Push up to the top. Lower the knees. Repeat.

You can also do the reverse.

Start on your toes in the up position. Lower your body down (keeping it flat in the regular push-up position). Lower your knees. Push your torso up. Engage your toes and straighten out. Repeat.

Cathe specifically mentions during this exercise on LIC that these are great for teaching you to do regular toe push-ups. I shocked myself by being able to do a few reps. And then when I was demonstrating for my husband, I was able to do a couple of full toe push-ups!

I've been doing some good chest work outside of push-ups for about 6 weeks, building up my chest muscles and doing knee push ups during that time, too. This particular exercise popped up at just the right time in my development.

April

 

[lisa b]

Thank you for your help and congratulations on your "man" push-up!!!
I didn't even know this forum existed until the other day and it has been great reading other peoples struggles, accomplishments and advice! It's a huge help and ALOT of fun!!!
Thanks to all of you for your advice, hopefully I'll be doing "man" push-ups before you know it!:7

 

[emvolkin]

Hi, just wanted to add my 2 cents in also since I had the same problem in the past. I think it's definately better to do fewer push-up using proper form than to do more in poor form, plus it's not good for the body. I found that doing the bent knee position definately helps you keep your back straight. Remember that all of the movement is in the arms, just bend the elbows to lower up and down. The rest of the body should be static-nothing else should be moving. Too often, I see people doing push ups the wrong way, they are moving there butt or back up and down and not their arms. Another good way to practice good form manly style is to cross the ankles or put your feet on a raised platform like the step aerobics step with no risers-again, this helps you keep your back straight.
Eva

 

[april71rn]

I can only do about 5 real pushups and usually just do them on my knees. Everybody thinks since I exercise a lot that I am "tough" and really strong. They would be really surprised to know I'm not very! I do want to get stronger and I will try using cheval's advice. THANKS!