Working your way to a full push-up?

ArizonaToast

Hi there! I am currently doing bodyweight exercises as part of my program and have much improvement to make in the push-up department. Anyone have experience starting with little to no upper body strength to full on push-ups?

rileyes

Start at counter height. Then go to chair height. Then the floor. You can use Dumbbells to grip if you want wrist relief.

Also keep your core tight--squeeze the gluts.

ColoradoGrl

Here is what I think poster rileyes is referring to, when she says "start at counter height. then chair height..." etc.
http://wellnessmama.com/1305/perfect-pushup/

strong_curves

OMG me! I'm starting at counter height now but man, it is slow going. Push ups are tough!

lishie_rebooted

Pu_239 wrote: »

rileyes wrote: »

Start at counter height. Then go to chair height. Then the floor. You can use Dumbbells to grip if you want wrist relief.

Also keep your core tight--squeeze the gluts.

I agree with the progression height. But if you can do push ups on your knees that's a good place to be. You can also progress with hand positions on your knees. Wide pushup(easiest) middle push up, close grip pushup(hardest). But honestly, just increase the reps, at knee pushups.

Knee push ups aren't as useful at using a wall/counter/stair/etc

girlwithcurls2

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Pu_239 wrote: »

rileyes wrote: »

Start at counter height. Then go to chair height. Then the floor. You can use Dumbbells to grip if you want wrist relief.

Also keep your core tight--squeeze the gluts.

I agree with the progression height. But if you can do push ups on your knees that's a good place to be. You can also progress with hand positions on your knees. Wide pushup(easiest) middle push up, close grip pushup(hardest). But honestly, just increase the reps, at knee pushups.

Knee push ups aren't as useful at using a wall/counter/stair/etc

^
^
^
^--- This. Knees won't get you there like the progression downward will.

yirara

Hmpf.. I tried everything including the convict conditioning progression and still can't do proper pushups. I don't know what's going wrong. I usually blame it on my long arms

barbecuesauce

Convict Conditioning has many variations on the pushup (and other bodyweight exercises). I highly recommend it (as long as you skip the manifesto in the front of the book).

hobbeskastiel

http://www.hundredpushups.com/
This is a good program for push up progression. I do it at about a three foot incline push up. So, about couch height. My gym has a cage (jungle gym?) that has a spot to raise and lower the bar. So as the current height gets easier I can lower the bar.