What to do instead of pushups?

[Cipriana]

I wanted to start getting back into shape by following the Beginner's Bodyweight routine, but I can't do pushups. I can't even do pushups on my knees. Are wall pushups the way to go? Or would my time be better served doing chest presses?

[Knightwatch]

Wall pushups are a good start. Here's a video on how they can progress along.

[Hrunter]

The more the incline, the easier the push up A vertical wall is a great place to start. If you need to up the difficulty, find something that will let you 'tilt' a little more, like the edge of a counter or table.

[Oogiem]

I wanted to start getting back into shape by following the Beginner's Bodyweight routine, but I can't do pushups. I can't even do pushups on my knees. Are wall pushups the way to go? Or would my time be better served doing chest presses?

I started doing pushups agains the fences, so a vertical surface. Then to the kitchen counter, then the bread making counter and now the couch arm. Each time I am going a bit lower and I stay there until I can do the number of reps I set for myself consistently. At this rate it's probably going to be next year before I can manage a real pushup but I am progressing. Just start and do some, it's not that bad and I find pushups the hardest thing I try to do. :smile:

[Natalie]

I started doing pushups again my bathroom sink, but a wall is probably the best place to start if you're struggling a lot.

[Foolishnostalgia]

Do them everyday. Any chance you get, on fences, walls, sinks, counters, friends, pets, whatever. Just one or ten. Everyday. per hour.

[Cipriana]

Do them everyday. Any chance you get, on fences, walls, sinks, counters, friends, pets, whatever. Just one or ten. Everyday. per hour.

/pictures herself doing pushups against her cat

[Cipriana]

Thanks for the advice guys. I did pushups against a wall last night as part of the Beginners Bodyweight workout. My shoulders are sore, but not as sore as my legs. Holy CRAP. Those lunges kicked my BUTT.

The fitness clubhouse in my apartment complex has a few benches that I can use as I progress to being able to do a real pushup.

[Oogiem]

Those lunges kicked my BUTT.

I had to stop doing lunges at all per doctor orders due to issues with my hips. Working on other options to work the same sets of muscles.

[Hermione Gainser]

The more the incline, the easier the push up A vertical wall is a great place to start. If you need to up the difficulty, find something that will let you 'tilt' a little more, like the edge of a counter or table.

^My understanding of it.

I think it's odd in the video that he puts knee pushups before incline push ups. Shouldn't they directly before actual pushups or could it be better to do incline then regular?

[Alethea]

Laura, my theory is that incline pushups with straight legs teaches you proper plank form before you progress to ground pushups. Knee pushups dont' quite hit your core in the same way, because your body isn't such a long line (less leverage). So while incline pushups at a small slope might be easier on your chest than knee pushups, it'll be more difficult for your body as a whole.

[Loren Wade]

If you're into bodyweight routines... I still highly suggest looking into a book called Convict Conditioning. It has bodyweight progressions for all of the major muscle groups!

And agreed with Knight Watch, wall push-ups are a great start. After you can do say 3 sets of 50 of these... you can move to doing it angled against a table. Then on your knees. Then normal. Etc.

[Hermione Gainser]

Laura, my theory is that incline pushups with straight legs teaches you proper plank form before you progress to ground pushups. Knee pushups dont' quite hit your core in the same way, because your body isn't such a long line (less leverage). So while incline pushups at a small slope might be easier on your chest than knee pushups, it'll be more difficult for your body as a whole.

Ah... good call, good call. I find my core strength is good (thank you, yoga) but my chest/shoulder/arm strength has been in need of improvement. That explains a great deal. Thanks for the insight!!

@Cipriana, awesome! Though, if that's your cat in your avatar I might suggest not using your pet Looks like that kitty is ready to take someone down!

[Cipriana]

No, this is my cat:

He's a jerk, but I love him.

[Hermione Gainser]

Okay, it's about to get all girly squee in here... fair warning to you all!

OHHHHHHHH! LITTLE KITTY FACE! I love it! He's super cute (and, if you can't tell I do adore the meow faces. I have 2 of my own).

[67alecto]

Walls and counters are typical starting points. A staircase is also good - you can measure your progress by how many stairs you need to be up to complete your sets. As you get stronger, you can go lower.