I can't do push ups but.................

BGabbart

I have a question. I have been doing push-ups (well push off's) since I stand and do the push ups off the wall. I feel the differance in my arms and shoulders so I know I am doing them right, but would that count as the same burn as push ups and is that strenght or cardio?

stefraab

I have a question. I have been doing push-ups (well push off's) since I stand and do the push ups off the wall. I feel the differance in my arms and shoulders so I know I am doing them right, but would that count as the same burn as push ups and is that strenght or cardio?

I'm no expert but I wouldn't think it'd count the same. Just like doing them on your knees is easier, doing them on the wall isn't as difficult either. You're not working against gravity.

I THINK that it would be considered strength, but you're still burning calories.

cjstrong

It wouldnt count the same burn in calories since it isnt as intense. I would count it as both strength and cardio if youre doing enough of them.

Since pushups is mainly a chest and tricep exercise, you may benefit (if you dont have a gym membership) to get some light weights and practice dumbell presses while laying on the ground. It will eventually help you to do pushups on the floor

EMc4452

How many minutes at a time do you do those? I think it could probably be logged as push-ups or calisthenics...each person is different, as your heart rate may go up even more than someone who does 100 pushups at a time. If you can get a HRM at some point, that will help pinpoint how many calories you are burning.

SueInAz

Honestly, I can't imagine it's very many calories as you wouldn't be getting your heart rate up very much. It's more strength than cardio unless you're doing it for 20 minutes straight. Just think of them as a "starter" exercise so you can graduate to doing harder things. You might try the knee pushups when you're ready. They're easier than regular ones but more difficult than what you're doing.

victomcc

I don't know, but when I was in physical therapy for my shoulder they had me use one of those kid inflatable rubber balls (about 12" ball) and put it against the wall and hold it against the wall with both arms straight at shoulder height. Then do hand over hand to roll it down the wall and back and boy could you feel that in your shoulders. That might mix it up a bit.

melbaby925

Since pushups is mainly a chest and tricep exercise, you may benefit (if you dont have a gym membership) to get some light weights and practice dumbell presses while laying on the ground. It will eventually help you to do pushups on the floor

OH cool! Thanks for the advice!

I started doing them on the wall, and have now graduated to doing 3 sets on the kitchen counter while my food is cooking. I hope to someday be able to do real, actual on the floor, push ups. I use a bodybugg, and while I see a calorie increase when I do these, it's nothing near what I get when I do actual cardio. So I track these as weight.

Good luck!

nukebhs83

you dont burn as many calories but you do burn some and that counts in my book. i do push-ups (offs) on a chair at work, the wall, the counter, my desk etc. i try to move my feet behind me more so that i am at more of an angle when i bend my elbows and have to push myself back up--i also do different variations---my arms wide on the wall, closer in, and shoulder width with my elbows coming to my side instead of out to the side (ie--military push up). i feel the burn everytime. you can modify pretty much every exercise and get some benefits from it. you will build up more strength in your arms and will get better at the actual pushup when you start those.

cjstrong

I think it would be fair to count it as a strength exercise in this case. Glad I could be of some help. I wasnt able to do pushups either but im there now! haha

Since pushups is mainly a chest and tricep exercise, you may benefit (if you dont have a gym membership) to get some light weights and practice dumbell presses while laying on the ground. It will eventually help you to do pushups on the floor

OH cool! Thanks for the advice!

I started doing them on the wall, and have now graduated to doing 3 sets on the kitchen counter while my food is cooking. I hope to someday be able to do real, actual on the floor, push ups. I use a bodybugg, and while I see a calorie increase when I do these, it's nothing near what I get when I do actual cardio. So I track these as weight.

Good luck!

BGabbart

thanks everyone this has been great help. I know moving of any kind is better than nothing at all. The last 6 weeks have been a big change in my life and I am still making those changes. This site is AWESOME.