Pushups are hard for me. Most women can’t do a single proper push up. I’m in that group right now. 15 years ago I was 40 pounds lighter and a lot stronger and could do them. But today I’m out of practice and starting over on this goal. Here’s a few tips to start pushup progress for anyone: 1: proper form is more important than the number you do. Avoid overuse injuries and build strength by focusing on technique first. 2- Go for full range of motion in your arms. I’ve watched “pushups competitions” and see a lot of mini pushups that are just a couple of inches . Not you. Not my people. If you can’t get your chest to the ground, have a goal to aim for. I use a yoga block. Maybe you start on your knees with the block at its tallest. Maybe it’s the middle height or flat on its side. Whatever it is try to get your chest to that point. If knee pushups aren’t possible yet, do wall pushups or table pushups. When 10 become easy drop down to the next level. 3- When you get to the point where 10 knee pushups with chest touching the ground are easy, then take the knees off the ground and try full pushups on your toes with those same progression steps. 4- Pushups are a full body exercise when done properly. If you tighten the abs and tuck your pelvis you might feel this in more than just arms and chest. It can also be an ab and glute workout. I’d love to hear how this goes for you. Or if you’ve mastered push ups, do you have tips for me?

Meet Matt. He worked for me at my gym years ago. I made him make this video back then. By the way, These amazing exercise videos are available in the instructions section of the classroom. You can actually design a workout by choosing the areas of the body you want to work on and piecing the exercises together. For help with number of reps and any special instructions, just ask me. I am happy to help.

PR is personal record by the way. I’ve been working on some Olympic bar or barbell lifts. Some things to keep in mind if this is a goal for you… Start with lighter weight dumbbells. The bar itself is 45 pounds. So if you are struggling to lift 15 lb dumbbells, work up to that until it’s easy. I suggest working with a trainer for your first time using a bar. Work up to higher weight slowly. First time using the barbell should be just the bar without weight with good form until that is easy. Let me know if you want some tips.