Correct Positioning for Wall Pushups?

stinastudios

I would like to eventually be able to do real pushups, but I lack the upper body strength to deal with my current weight, so I'm trying to do wall push-ups. However I keep seeing people do them with different hand positions. HAlf the time I see people saying that your elbows need to be close to your sides through the whole exercise, so that your arms are more or less parallel with your torse the whole way through, but on standard pushups aren't your arms supposed to be somewhere closer to perpendicular to your body?

fitnatic67

a quick google search for 'wall pushups' will give you some suggestions.

santamommy

I do my wall pushups like people would do on the floor...just dont out farther than your shoulders....stand arms length away from the wall. They are working for me.

myshell26

Starting Position
Start facing wall, arms length away, feet slightly apart, legs straight (but knees not locked). Place hands onto wall, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

Action
INHALE: Keeping head in neutral position, bend elbows to lower head/chest toward wall, coming as close as you can to it but not touching it.

EXHALE: Straighten arms and return to starting position for one rep.

Special Instructions
The further your feet are away from the wall, the more difficult this exercise will be. Also be sure not to lock knees or elbows.