Increasing push ups

[Elastigirl]

I have been doing the Angry Birds Workout for a while. I really want to level up in push ups. For the past 8 weeks I have been trying to go from doing 20 pushs in 3 sets to 2 sets. And I'm just stuck. I can't seem to get higher than 6. Today I did 8 in one set but the next set I couldn't get past 5. And there is no pushing it. My arms just give out. When I started in April,I couldn't do 1. So, I have improved and am happy with that. But still, I really want to do the magic number of 10 push ups. Any suggestions?

[MMyers]

Ladders: Might go something like 1-2-3-4-5

Pyramids: 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1

Grease The Groove: 5 every half hour/whenever you think of it

Stew Smith's Push-Up Push: Originally 200 every day, you just multiply your max (8) by 4 and try and hit that number. So, 32 in any way for 10 days, 3 days of rest, and then you test. A possible way could be 8 sets of 4.

The numbers here are just suggestions, fill in whatever based on how you feel/how much time you want to spend.

[ebm1224]

how about stepping back a bit and doing one of the sets on your knees? or perhaps half on your knees for each set? gradually you can reduce the number you do on your knees as you get stronger.

[smurray]

I have increasing my push ups as one of my challenges this six weeks and i have been using this program. http://hundredpushups.com/ It works with people who can only do a few push ups to people who can do several sets. You might find the routines helpful.

[Elastigirl]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

@EBM1224 Thanks, I had tried to step it back some. I worked until I could do 10 inclines in a row. It really helped my form. I may try doing incline again, just lower.

@Smurray . Thanks I tred 100 push ups , I know it works for people. I was frustrated. I just can't seem to increase the #'s as fast as 100 push up wants you to

@Armymbm I'm thinking of trying grease the groove. I'd heard people on this board talking about it, but never knew what it meant.

[Gainsdalf the Whey]

I have increasing my push ups as one of my challenges this six weeks and i have been using this program. http://hundredpushups.com/ It works with people who can only do a few push ups to people who can do several sets. You might find the routines helpful.

I did this but maxed out at around 20 a set with that program.

The best way I found to increase my push-ups is actually doing bench presses. By increasing my overall chest strength, it made each push-up easier and I could do more. I can now do 3 sets of 30 chest to decks and 3 sets of 20 between chairs (which allows you to go deeper).