I've recently switched from doing push ups on my knees to doing them the proper way - on my feet. This has coincided with some recent lower back pain and I'm pretty sure the pain is from doing the pushups. Why is this? Is it because my arms aren't strong enough? I'm not really over weight (5'6, 136lbs) and I don't have a pot belly to weigh down that part of my body, but I do have larger breasts - could that be a factor?
Any ideas?
2007-03-29 14:07:37 · 9 answers · asked by sarahjaniepoo 4 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
The way you did them before is a correct way. Standard push ups take muscle tone from abs and glutes legs and upper back to stabilize your body in a ridged position . Your lower back is not strong enough yet to hold the position . Go back to the other push ups. They are the type used for push ups with back problems in rehab . Or alternate the two.
2007-03-29 14:19:25 · answer #1 · answered by redd headd 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pushups involve the use of back muscles as well as chest and arm muscles. You could be straining your back in doing pushups, but this is probably a result of poor form. See if you can find a local physical trainer or athletic trainer to give you some pointers on how to do a pushup correctly (if they see a problem at all). You could be arching your back one way or another that makes your back uncomfortable. This is not uncommon when people switch from knee pushups to regular pushups, as people are often not used ot putting that much weight on their arms, and thus do things that initially seem to make it easier, but may inappropriately and unintentionally work some muscle groups.
2007-03-29 21:21:00 · answer #2 · answered by Mike S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suspect that you are in the incorrect position when doing a push up try doing them parallel to a mirror. What you want is your back to be straight and parallel to the floor. Here is a diagram to help you. http://www.recordholders.org/images/pushup.gif
My personal trainers and coaches have always helped me maintain correct form by suggesting that I lower my buttocks and pelvis to align them with my back. If you have your butt in the air or your belly is sinking towards the floor while your doing a push up, you are prone to injury.
-Hands shoulder-width apart
-Straight back
-Your trunk (chestand abdomen) should come at least within 5 inches from the floor when going down (before pushing your body weight up)
2007-03-29 21:28:51 · answer #3 · answered by Madness 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're probably assuming the wrong push-up position and relying on your back to push your body. Focus all on your arms, but if the pain continues, switch back to modified push-ups.
2007-03-29 21:16:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anodyne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are putting extra strain on the back muscles and have not used them before. Likely not due to breast size but to lack of use of these muscles before. Start slowly after the back heals.
2007-03-29 21:16:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe it could be that you sink your lower back when your doing push up. when doing push ups your back has to be straight...don't sink your lower belly to the groud or anything.
2007-03-29 21:12:22 · answer #6 · answered by evilbunnyhead 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yea that could be a possibility,but i think maybe its because you are either keeping your back curved downward.or because pushups work your back too.
2007-03-29 21:53:20 · answer #7 · answered by jmanmexico 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have been doing it on your knees. I think you just have to work your way up from doing them.
Good Luck
2007-03-29 21:17:29 · answer #8 · answered by mlblinebacker 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is streching your bone and your mucels in your back it will go away once your used to it
2007-03-29 21:15:15 · answer #9 · answered by giggle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋