Getting Past Girl Push-ups
Friday, October 9, 2009 at 02:14PM Today we tackle another exercise that seems to be hated by women everywhere: the push-up.
Push-ups are a great barometer for measuring fitness. Done with proper form, push-ups engage muscles in the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs.
“You are just using your own body and your body’s weight,” explains Steven G. Estes, a physical education professor and dean of the college of professional studies at Missouri Western State University. “If you’re going to demonstrate any kind of physical strength and power, that’s the easiest, simplest, fastest way to do it.”
We ladies sometimes seem to have a harder time with push-ups than men. It could be due to the fact that women start off with about 20 percent less muscle than men, or could have to with the way women are coddled and babied with the ever famous “girl push-ups”. You know the ones done on the knees?
Could anything be more condescending? Let’s just start our lovely young daughters out with the mentality that because they are female, they can’t do something. Bologna! Women can perform “regular” push-ups, and find that they are a much more effective exercise than their “girly” counterparts. (Empowering, too. And you know me, I’m all about empowerment.)
You might think performing push-ups on your toes is something you could never do. Fear not, again I’m here to help.
If you find you are having trouble completing push-ups on your toes without having your arms give out and face planting into the floor, start with angled push-ups.
Find a table, bench, or counter to lean against, somewhere between knee and waist high. The higher the support the easier the exercise will be. Stand back far enough so that you can lean your body diagonally onto the support, holding yourself up with your arms straight. Slowly lower your chest toward the support being careful to keep your ankles, hips, and shoulders in a straight line. Your hands should be slightly wider than shoulder width. One push-up with good solid form is better than ten with crappy form, so pay attention to detail. Use a mirror or a friend to help you make sure you aren’t lifting your hips or letting your belly sag. Your body should be flat like a board.
As you get more proficient with the angled push-up, start lowering your support. If you started with the kitchen counter, move to something lower like a kitchen chair. Continue gradually lowering your support until you’re performing pushups on the floor with chains on your back. (This video inspires me. I wonder where I can find some chains.)
Don’t forget to celebrate your success. Force those onlookers to kiss those throbbing biceps. High fives all around.
Reader Comments (2)
Alice, did you see Bob's Trainer Tip from this week's Biggest Loser? It was all about moving past girl push-ups...I immediately thought of your advice. :0)
Yes, Lori. I did see it (my being a Biggest Loser junkie and all). Thanks for thinking of me. I was relieved that he used the same advice I outlined here. Whew.