I've been trying to do more push ups to strengthen and tone my upper body (chest, shoulders, triceps). Not quite the 100 push-ups a day for 30 day program, but a good 40 or so (which is a lot for me, at least for now).

I was making good progress but started to feel some pain in my forearm / wrist. So, I've paused push-ups for now.


Do those handles that you place on floor work? Are they indicated for this? I'm picturing placing the handles laterally such that the arm position and motions are the same but I'm not bending the wrist.

Is this a good idea? Or recommendations? The push-ups were making good progress......

Not sure if it's better, but I do find having a handle (or dumbells) instead of palms on the floor, is definitely more comfortable for push-ups.

I have a wrist issue and have used them for years. Makes a huge difference. I'm currently using those rotating "Perfect Pushup" grips and like them better than the fixed kind.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Not sure if it's better, but I do find having a handle (or dumbells) instead of palms on the floor, is definitely more comfortable for push-ups.

agree with this.

just get some hexagonal dumbbells of the appropriate weight(s) -- and you can use them for both pushups and any number of other exercises...

lots of different variations you can do to improve


------------------------------

Thanks. Will go to used sports equipment store

I have rheumatoid arthritis which first presented in the wrists. I started using these years ago. They work great, they are as good as new after years of use. They are also good for bracing against when doing various stretches.

https://www.amazon.com/Perfect...id=1610906635&sr=8-5

Push up bars are very useful for training at home. Push ups on the floor will develop issues for your wrists before you reach your limits in your upper body and arms though. The last time I was at a gym was in March 2020. I've had to make due with resistance bands and pushup variations. I've gone away from doing them every day though. I do 10-12 sets of twenty-five every 4-8 days mixed in with band work with acceptable results. I don't believe it will replace or make up for heavy lifting, but you will be better off when you get back to the gym. You won't be starting from scratch.

The variation that maximizes the tension through the movement without creating some kind of repetitive stress in a joint is what you need to figure out for yourself. You can mimic different barbell and dumbbell presses. Find what you like. The bars will allow you to lower your chest deeper in the movement under constant tension.

A tip I think helps. At the top of the movement(arms extended) tighten your abs before you go down.

A variation that like and I feel in my arms, delts, chest and upper back. Start at the top arms extended with your hands at shoulder level. Like where they would be for a bench press. As you lower yourself rotate your ankles like you are standing on your toes, and as you lower your upper body your hands will follow a path like the bar for a bench press. As you push up your hands return to shoulder level.

-TVz

I would think the 'perfect pushup' devices would increase the range of motion by a few inches and make the movement more beneficial as well.

I don’t think it’s possible for me to do one set of 25 let alone 10+ sets.

I’ve never had any weight training so I don’t know what proper form and technique is other than what I’ve been able to glean off YTube. Right now just focusing on two types of push-ups. One that focuses on the chest, the other that focuses on the triceps. Both also develop other muscles. Also doing dumbbell curls for biceps and lifts for upper arm / shoulder (don’t know what that muscle group is called). And resistance bands for shoulder backs.

You absolutely need to be doing pulling exercises as well! Variations of pull ups, rows, deadlift etc.

Otherwise you’ll end up with a strong but tight chest and anterior delts with a weak back!

Resistance bands pretty neat in that you start out with light resistance that peaks at the end of a movement. You have to be controlled when letting off the contraction as to not snap back. When you get to higher strength bands that is important to not injure yourself. I ordered pullup assistance bands online. Those are long loops but those are out of stock everywhere now. I did score some shorter loop bands at a $5 Below store(local chain). The thing about bands is you can adjust the length by where you place your hands at the start of the stretch and that adds resistance. Do an online search for resistance band exercises and you can get started.

Strambo is right about staying balanced strength wise chest and back. A band exercise for upper back and rear delts is simple. Hold a band out in front of you, arms straight, shoulder high, then stretch the band by pulling your arms apart and to your side. Keep them shoulder high. 10-15 reps. Start out with 1-3 sets and build up. When it gets too easy, shorten the band an inch at the start. That inch makes a big difference(LOL).

As for volume, that will change as you get stronger. Its not the first pushups of the set that matter, its the last five of every set that are tough. Remember to exhale as you come up(exert). Once they get too easy and they will, elevate your feet a couple inches.

-TVz

quote:

having a handle (or dumbells) instead of palms on the floor, is definitely more comfortable for push-ups.

back in the good old days I trained with push ups best using clenched fists, first due to some healing and injuries, then from the additional challenge.

There were days I also did the finger-tip style but that is long long ago.

The last bent-knee roll up sets I did decades past, was enough past my own prime, that small rupture resulted. I've had to modify my routine to that which will enable or maintain my moderate daily activities.

Try doing them by making fists and putting your knuckles to the floor. Your wrists should remain straight that way, and it's probably good practice/muscle building for punching.

I do them like that whenever I'm not using my perfect push-ups handles.

Btw, I've always had good results from following Strambo's advice.

Get a set of hex shaped dumbbells. They are low profile and do not wobble or tilt like some of the cheap pushup bars.

I get that same pain in my wrists when doing push ups. Those push up handles fix that and also allow for a longer range of movement since you can dip down further.

Another vote for Perfect Pushup. Got these several (many) years ago at one of the "W" stores. Can't remember if it was Walgreens or Walmart. The red part of the base is stationary on the floor and the black part above, easily swivels. Quite easy to find a comfortable stance with no wrist strain.

What Hobbs said.
At 78 I do sets of 45, 35 and 25 daily using the push up bars.
Been doing these for 40+ years.

I used to use hex-shaped dumbells, back in college. They worked well.

Nowadays, I use the Perfect Pushup handles, but I don't utilize the rotation portion during pushups. It's just to allow for a straight wrist, and the extra bit of range of motion on the downs, just like with the dumbells.

I've been considering picking up a set of dumbells again, and going back to those. I used to do weights at the gym, but haven't been able to do that for almost a year, and body weight exercises alone are getting boring.

I'm with r0gue and Hobbs. I will never do a regular push up again unless I'm using my Prefect Pushups. I've had two shoulder surgeries and these ensure my motion is natural.

Am I the only one who clicked on this because he thought it was a thread on pushup bras?