push up question

lyndyb88

I have a question for everyone. How different are the benefits of full body pushups from the benefits of "girl" pushups on your knees? I had knee surgery a little over a year ago and still am not able to do the full body pushups. Should I be pushing myself to strengthen and do the full body ones or am I doing just as much good with the girl pushups? Just wondering what everyone thinks about this.

Doberdawn

I'd check with your knee surgeon doc first. Are you supposed to be doing exercises that pivot on the knees? I am not with my knees, so I have to do full body... which I can't yet.... but the way I am building up to them is by doing push ups on the stairs and working my way down them as I get stronger, the angle gets less and I am closer to doing them on the floor.

Hope that bit helps.

Doberdawn

This article might interest you:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/doing-the-perfect-push-up

And this article has other suggestions for how to build up:

http://www.military.com/military-fitness/spouse-and-family/getting-passed-girl-push-ups

CJ_Holmes

I personally don't feel the same benefit to my core, back and hips when doing push ups on the knees. I love push ups for the stability they give my whole body! I had to stop last year after a shoulder injury and slooooooowly work back up. Maybe start with planks, then move into negative (just lowering) push ups? I also agree that doing them on stairs or a bench is a great way to work up!

vmekash

Gosh! I just saw something the other day somewhere on the net re pushups. I don't remember the details, but it did specifically say something about the modified/girly pushups NOT providing the benefits that the standard pushups provide. Better to start the standard pushup against the wall, or using a chair or step, and as you get stronger, use lower and lower steps (or whatever) until you can do them right on the floor. Know what? I think I was reading something about Gwen Stephani (sp?) and her workout routine -- some link that hinted at getting a body like hers.

I cannot do a standard pushup to save my life, so I started (a week or so ago) doing them using the edge of my tub.

Good luck!