We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Pushups are HARD

Need2Exerc1se
Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I thought I am fairly strong for my age. Not weight lifter strong, but stronger than average, since I do a lot of digging, lifting, carrying, etc. at home. But pushups are kicking my bum! I can barely do 10!

I guess I'm not so strong after all. Much work to be done here.

That is all.

Replies

  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    It's strength AND endurance.

    Beginning of summer it was rough for me to get 15 done in a row. I'm at 50 per set now. Just keep at it.
  • battybecks
    battybecks Posts: 147 Member
    I'm using the Body By You book, which starts you off easy. You work your way up to full push-ups via push ups against a wall, push ups against a hip height surface, then knee height surface. Eventually one handed push ups and other scary looking things!

    Highly recommended. I'm pretty pathetic with push ups too. I lost a lot of muscle when I lost my weight, and now I'm trying to get it back again :smile:

    (edited for typos)
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    Just keep at it. Set mini goals. I do this for my gym goals like runs, pull ups, etc. Good luck.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I'm following the plan on www.hundredpushups.com, which a friend recommended. I'm only on week 2, but I think I may have to repeat this week.

    I'm not giving up. Just being whiney.
  • rosebette
    rosebette Posts: 1,660 Member
    Women often have trouble with upper body strength exercises. It took me a while to be able to do a lot of regular pushups (rather than the girly knees-down ones), but with time, I was able to do multiple sets.
  • 04hoopsgal73
    04hoopsgal73 Posts: 892 Member
    Yes just keep at em and you'll get stronger at doing them and have the endurance to do more!:drinker:
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I'm trying to focus on how much easier they will be if I lose this weight as motivation to stay on track with my diet. :smile:
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,150 Member
    At least you can do a push-up. I can't do one. :wink: :drinker:
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    At least you can do a push-up. I can't do one. :wink: :drinker:

    Maybe you should check out the Body By You book recommended above that starts out with pushups against a wall. Pushups were recommended to me as a good way to prevent bone loss because I'm getting old.
  • amcook4
    amcook4 Posts: 561 Member
    My personal trainer has me doing non floor push ups and modified push ups. Look into some of those options and work your way up. I can't do normal push ups either.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Push-ups are hard but it is also incredibly satisfying when they click and suddenly get easier.

    The thing that made push-ups really click with me was the idea of seeing a push-up as pushing the world away from me, rather than pushing myself up. This video explains it better (starting around the 1 minute mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VhM-3w_PHA#t=118

Categories