HELP! I Need Push Up Alternatives

ice99706

I've got severe rhuematoid arthritis in my wrists and have no rotatation or flexation in my wrists. I just started doing the 30DS and wasn't able to do the push ups. I didn't know what to do; so, I did a plank on my forearms. I want to get the most I can out of this program and I need help.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

AmberFaith90

I'd also like to see the answers to this! I don't have RA, but I have carpal tunnel syndrome and my wrists hurt so bad doing push ups. But I push through them. I don't do as many or go as fast as they do in 30DS, but I still try to make the most of it.

agthorn

Pushups on your fists instead of your palms, so your wrist is straight instead of bent?

hillysuze

What about standing pushups? You know, if you are standing facing a wall and do push ups against it? I can't do regular push ups either because I dislocated my shoulder a little over a year ago and my ortho told me not to do yoga, bridge, planks, etc so I do that instead. Its not as hard but at least its something.

Fit_and_Healthy

Perhaps some pushup bars would help?

Dangerdat

Hmm, have you tried doing a push up against a wall while standing up? There shouldn't be a lot of weight in your wrists. How about also trying pushups on your knuckles, fists clenched?

mdaus

I also have RA & cannot do pushups no matter what position I try. As an alternative to working the similar muscle groups, I do a set of planks on my forearms, followed by weights to work out my arms:
1. Lie on back with arms outstretched to side. Hold weights in hands & bring them up to the middle above your chest. Repeat.
2. Stand with knees bent and lean over forward. Start with weights below you in front, then lift out to sides while remaining bent over. Repeat.

It is a few extra exercises, but the only ones I have been able to do without pain. Good luck!

FlynnMacCallister

Pushups on your fists instead of your palms, so your wrist is straight instead of bent?

I don't know about with RA, but I have trouble doing open-hand pushups without hurting my wrists because of hyperextension problems and this is how I get around it.