Can't seem to do push ups!

[Wonderbug81]

I can do modified push ups (where your cross your ankles) fine, but as soon as I try and do one full push up, my arms can't manage it.

I have tried doing them on the stairs or a chair but even then, I can't do a full one!

I'm mid forties, weight is fine for my height.

Try putting your feet wider apart to start with, and maybe don't go quite all the way down till you get the hang of it! It's mostly a technique I think.

Planks are helpful for the core/arm strength to get you going.

Practice! I went from zero to 15 full at 45. Strength training for the upper body helps.

I'd focus on form - so chest must touch something (floor, table, box, stair) and elbows should be tracking backwards, not flailed out to the side, squeeze your core and bum to keep your midline nice and tight.

To help with getting towards chest touching the floor, find something that is the right height for you. I know you've said stairs didn't work so maybe try a worktop? Do sets and reps on this to start with. When this gets easier find something lower and repeat the process. For example, in a gym this might be a 30" box, then the 24", 20", bench then eventually floor.

Have you tried doing it on a wall? Does sound like core work might be useful so planks should be part of your practice too.

Best way to build up to a push up is to do slow downs (count to five) and then push up from your knees. Using your knees or an elevation on the downs won't help you build up to a full push up as fast.

Brace your core and your glutes every time. It's just practice.

Thank you, these are such helpful tips... common theme here is core and mine has been neglected for sure.

Will also try out the other tips and focus on form a bit more (I think I might be an elbow flailer)!

I learnt to do a proper push up in my late 50s. I don’t think it helps doing them from your knees. Do full body ones and do negatives: that is, do the downward motion really slowly - over 5 or 8 counts then get back up however you can!

For developing core strength big compound full body moves such as squats (with added weight) are good. But the hardest thing is the hollow hold, done with proper form ( no dining of the abdominals).

strength training definitely helps. Been working on this for 6 months and the difference is massive in terms of push ups.

Thank you. I do already do a fair bit of strength training although the arm weights aren't as heavy as my own body weight I suppose.

Never heard of negatives, will give them a try too!

I lift regularly and have done for years. I can't do a push up. My arms don't seem to work that way. It's annoying.

( no dining of the abdominals).

arrrgh, I meant "doming" of the abdominals. Here's a really good explanation.

I'm 70 and I can do 15 in a row, 2-3 times during one workout. So I'm sure you can get there too. You need strong arms and above all a very strong core.

Work out with fairly heavy dumbbells (I mostly use 8kg and 10kg). Check out Growingannanas, with a view to graduating to Caroline Girvan.

Do the Bowflex 3-minute plank and an abs workout every single day - e.g. Caroline's Braced Core & Abs.

Redefining Strength (also on YouTube) has some good advice on push-up techniques. Starting with your chest touching the floor and pushing up is a good way to start.

This is amazing! Thank you.

This! I’m 60 next month and this year I started like this. Just dip slightly each one to begin with now I can do 3 x 10 quite well.

Yeh they're hard. If you don't train them you're unlikely to just be able to do them. I can do lots, with plates on my back, but then I bench a lot which is why. It's not just your arms, it's your chest and shoulders too. Doing them on an increasing incline is the way to go, wall, stairs, chair etc. Or just bench a lot. But it'll take time.

Thank you. I think I need to keep practicing and focus on upper body and core more.