Push Ups

Eryndil

I really can't do push ups. Which sucks, because my job requires that I pass an annual fitness test that involves doing 9 of them. Only 9, and I just couldn't do it. PLEASE HELP!!

The fitness test mandates that they must be tricep push ups (hands under the shoulders at all times), and in order for the push-up to count my biceps must be parallel to the floor (you have to go ALL THE WAY DOWN). I don't find the test unreasonable, but I am looking for some advice on how to train.

I can do standard push ups (hands out about 5 inches from shoulders) pretty much no problem (I get to about 5 and start to struggle, but it's a start). Am I wasting my time doing those for practice and slowly edging my hands in towards my body?

I am trying to do the tricep ones off higher surfaces - the bathroom vanity, side of the dining table) just to be doing something - is this a good idea?

My main issue is the getting-low-enough. I can go down til my arms are parallel to the floor, but can't push back up. The PT instructor suggested doing planks where you are on your hands in a push-up position rather than on the forearms, but I just fall to the floor.

ANY ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! I am really enthusiastic about my job, and I love everything about it - 'cept these damn push ups. I get frustrated because I am good at what I do, and the fact that I could (in theory) be fired for not being able to pass my fitness test. The test encompasses a whole bunch of things (shuttle-run, sit-ups, hand-grip) which I can do above the standard expected for me. It's just these stupid push-ups that are killing me.

bigpinch

You could try this. You will need to adjust your form to accomidate the for the type of push up's you need. But the programing progression is what is important. Good luck I hope this helps.
http://hundredpushups.com/index.html