Pushups

Richfw

My body strength is plenty sufficient to do proper form pushups. However, my stomach is too large to get full range of motion. Am i doomed to incline/declines until later date? Anyone similar?

Jthanmyfitnesspal

I don't think there's anything special about doing push-ups relative to bench press or other pectoral exercise EXCEPT that you can do them without any equipment. Also, push-ups have the disadvantage of always involving the same amount of weight (e.g., your bodyweight).

But, if you want to do them, it might help to get a pair of push-up handle grips that give you a little more height. And, if you wanted to, you could put your toes on a riser as well. Then you would have plenty of room.

Best of luck!

sgt1372

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

. . . it might help to get a pair of push-up handle grips that give you a little more height. And, if you wanted to, you could put your toes on a riser as well. Then you would have plenty of room.

You can also improvise or build/use all kinds of things to raise your body parallel off the ground. At the gym, you can use large kettle bells for hand grips and a bench for your feet or just use 2 benches if the equipment is available. Just think creatively.

BTW, FWIW, decline pushups hit your upper pecs more than standard pushups and, if you want to pushup more than your BW, you can also use a weighted vest. I only to decline pushups w/standard bench presses and have developed satisfactory pecs that way.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing an incline pushup, except those who don't have enough strength to do a stardard/decline one. However, incline/decline bench presses are common variations.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

sgt1372 wrote: »

I don't think I've ever seen anyone doing an incline pushup, except those who don't have enough strength to do a stardard/decline one.

Gads, I've seen it all the time in various exercise classes-- usually done by putting your hands on a step-aerobics riser. People also do it regularly using TPX straps. I think that standard push-ups are pretty hard, and I can't imagine doing them with added weight. I have worked them up over a very long time.

Strongfitmama100412

you could also do them using dumbbells to rise you up.

sgt1372

Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »

I can't imagine doing them with added weight. I have worked them up over a very long time.

I do standars and decline pushups w/25 and 50# in my weighted vest when I feel like challenging myself. Can do 10-15 fairly easily w/25# but only 5-10 w/50#. Unweighted pushups feel so much easier when the vest is removed.

Same thing applies to pullups but the reps obviously differ.

Cherimoose

Richfw wrote: »

My body strength is plenty sufficient to do proper form pushups. However, my stomach is too large to get full range of motion.

Full range of motion isn't necessary for pushups. You only need to go deep enough so your elbows are at back level, not behind your back.. which doesn't engage any more of the pecs, and puts more stress on the rotator cuff.
If that's too easy, wear a weighted backpack.

Paco4gsc

If at home, you could use 3 chairs.