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Push ups
So lately I've been wanting to get fit and in shape. I'm already running and walking, but I also want to do some other exercises. For the past two weeks I've been trying to do push ups and I can't. Why is it so hard? I can't hold myself up and its embarrassing. I've been doing them on my knees to at least build up a little arm muscle and so I do that for awhile and then I do a regular push up and its not helping at all, its almost a waste of time. I get like a tingly feeling in my elbows and then when I stop trying and get up, my upper arms hurt. How come I can't do push ups? Is there a way to gradually build arm muscle so that I can do push ups? I know its hard and challenging but it its impossible all together for me :(
Thank you.
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Depending on your arm strength, start lifting 3-5 pound weights to build up arm muscles and strength. You could also try chin-ups to build strength.
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Many people find calisthenics to be difficult because in essence, you are required to use all of your bodyweight as resistance as opposed to weight training where you can go below or above your bodyweight for resistance. Truthfully, everyone should be able to do at least one pushup at their bodyweight, but if you can't the good news is that your body is very adaptable and you will be able to get them in no time. It's good that you started off on the knees, while this doesn't build much strength it is beneficial for muscle memory and tendon strength. Did you consider that maybe your hands are too close together? because the closer you bring them- the more difficult the movement becomes. Shoulder width is best for beginners.
What you also can't ignore is the systemic response that push-ups give. While primarily targeting the chest, triceps and front deltoids...the stability that it takes to keep your body suspended using your core muscles (stomach) is stressful and it really builds up the more you do it and makes the movement easier. Keep at it- you will get it.
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I've had the exact same problem! I always thought that I just couldn't do them, but last summer I started working on it and finally could. I got one of those small Yoga balls and put it under my hips, then did push-ups like that. As you get better, move the Yoga ball down to your knees, and so on. Good luck!
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