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: 9,149 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

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