So I was reading this Article in a Women's Health magazine and it was about pushups. It talked about the fact the push-ups(despite common belief) are the most efficient way to work your entire body. Althoug hyour arms do most of the work, the rest of the body(including legs, butt, and abs) are all working to stabilize, therefore they are working at the same time. I just thought it was interesting!

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Megan Rose
"The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far is as needed?"
259(HW)/233.6(Restart)/224.0(CW)/205(GW1)/175(GW2)/150(FGW)

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Yesterday (and today), I did my own version of push ups...the only kind I can kinda-sorta do.
I planted my feet about four feet from the edge of my dresser, gripped the edge and pushed up and down against the dresser, which is about hip high. I did 12 yesterday. Today I don't did 5. My left shoulder was hurting and I was afraid that if it let out that I'd knock my teeth out on the edge of the dresser. LOL

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Melissa

melissa, that's great. even modified versions will be beneficial!
i agree that push-ups are great! holding your body in various plank positions works many of the same muscles, as well. and they can be just as challenging!

My son and I have been having push up contests. I'm up to 200. He's 14 so he blows me away. I'm thrilled to be able to do them, used to be I couldn't do one, literally!
I'm glad to hear they are so good for us.
Angel

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"The future of life on earth depends on seeing the sacred where others see only the common."
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DecemberAngel - 200 pushups!!! I'm really envious. I can only do 30 at a time.

Another way you can do push-ups is by using a stability ball. I use this exercise in many of my classes.

Start by being on your knees. Roll the ball up to your stomach. Fold your body over the ball. Take your hands and walk forward as the ball slow works its way down your body. For my beginners, I tell them to stop when the ball is against their thighs. For my more advance members, I tell them to keep working the ball down until it is against their shin or top of their shoe. Make sure your hands are shoulder width and directly under your shoulders. Keep your abs pulled in and breath. You should be in a full plank postion. I make them hold that postion for a bit. It helps them to get their balance before proceeding with the push-ups. Once your body has stabilzed, you can start slowly by lowering your body 2 counts and pushing up 2 counts. We do this 4x and hold the plank again. We keep alternating between planks and push-ups. It is great for the core, abs, shoulders, chest and etc.

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Kelli (LCing since 01/01/03)
Restarted 02/09/04 @ 155.5

Kelli, that sounds awesome. I've been looking for exercises with my new exercise ball. Now if I can do it is another story. But I can work my way up.

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Noel, I love using the stability ball. You can really challenge the body and the ball also adds life to old floor exercises. Let me know if need more ideas for your stability ball!!!

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Kelli (LCing since 01/01/03)
Restarted 02/09/04 @ 155.5

Hi whenever i do pushups i do a harder slower verison which i like alot better. What you do get into the regular push up position and you go down and hold for like 3-5 seconds and then push up and hold 3-5 secs. Its a good work out i think.
Good luck!

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Alaina

Green Tea started on Jan 8th 05
100 day cheat free challenge started on Jan 8th 05

It's a fact. Push-ups are about the most efficient total-body challenge you can get, and no equipment required. I can really feel 'em in my back and stomach. I usually start out trying "toe" push-ups, and default to "knee" push-ups, with a personal challenge to up the count.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


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I can't do a regular push-up. Not even one. I should try to do the dresser version more often, then work my way up until I can do five regular, then 10. I know that exercise (the lack of it) is going to be my biggest downfall when it comes to losing weight.

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Melissa

Melissa,

It takes time. I can remember when I could only do the modify pushups (hands and bent knees). I kept working on it and now I can do regular pushups with no problems. When it comes to exercising, find something you enjoy doing. That makes it easier to keep committed.

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Kelli (LCing since 01/01/03)
Restarted 02/09/04 @ 155.5

another great way aside from using the stability ball is using a Bosu ball -- i have found - for me at least, using the ball is more of a decline push up (but MAN, you sure use every muscle in your body) - and i try to alternate them a lot.... using the bosu, placing my feet on the hard flat surface - its' more of a normal pushup (not incline or decline) and trying to keep the ball still, it really uses the core.

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