I want some information about push ups and sit ups...?

Question

Push ups are hard, and sit ups give me MAJOR MAJOR back pains. Anyone got any tips and I how can do either one effectively and comfortably?

Answer 1

Push ups will get easy in time if you work on that. For sit ups, lay on a mat or on a surface which is not hard, and be sure to go all the way down on your sit ups.

Answer 2

I just started doing martial arts, and push ups seem to be the answer to everything (unfortunately). I stick at them. What I've been told to do is to start doing them against the wall (put your hands up in front of you). Work your way up. Also, you can always do them on your knees. Or if you prefer, do them on your toes, but don't go down as far. I think the key is to always practice them...then you will get better.

Sit-ups I can tell you practice makes perfect. Back in the late '80's (I was in the military) I went from 39 in 2 minutes to over 70 in 2 minutes. I'm sorry you are getting back pains (usually it is my neck)....I think they've pretty much established that sit-ups are not very good for you and things like crunches are better. I do crunches all the time...side to side work on obliques, normal crunches for the upper abs, and reverse crunches for the lower abs. I'd recommend them.

Answer 3

I'll agree with some of the others, start slow and do them in repetitions. It seems you'll be able to do more push-ups than most full grown men can do because you're body isn't it's full weight (that's my assumption at least). I was able to do 50 push-ups in one set my freshmen year in high school. Now I try to do 3 sets of 25 (much easier than one set of 50, though I might still be able to do it), along with my upper body workout for the week. I normally do push-ups along with benching, curling, etc, the basic arm workouts to hit the biceps as much as possible then work on another set of upper body a couple days later to hit other muscles in my arms. There's a lot of debate between doing the same exercise daily due to "your muscles grow not when lifting, but during the resting period after lifting", and apparently 2-3 day span gives them enough time to "grow together" again after "ripping" them apart during the exercise. It's really up to you, if you're trying to build yourself a little more I would suggest setting up a routine and doing that routine weekly targeting certain muscles of the arms, legs, torso, etc, though you may have to invest in some equipment. Email me if you want some help on setting up a routine or have any questions. Also, another suggestion after reading was to do 3 sets until failure (you can't possibly do anymore). . . Keep yourself motivated and ALWAYS thinking that "these are easy" and "i can do more". Also, DON'T forget to BREATH, that's one of the most important variables in success aside from posture.

Answer 4

This may not sound like an answer but, pilates will help you build your abs & back so you have less pain, it works after just a few times too, I love it! God Bless & I hope it helps...Oh! I also got a back wrap with magnets in the back, it helps blood flow to your back & my back pain virtaully disappeared, it is made to burn fat on the belly & is found in the exercise equipment dept of most stores...

Answer 5

do pushups on your knees then eventually build up to regular pushups once you can do about 35 knee pushups in a row..

as for the situps focus on pulling your belly button into your back (sounds weird but strengthens your abs and helps you focus on mechanics)...to help your back out start doing cruches (half way up to your knees rather than all the way) and really FOCUS on the correct "mechanics" of the situps to make sure you don't hurt your back...maybe put a rolled up towel under your lower back to make the crunches easier at first.

hope this helped!

Answer 6

buy an ab lounge it is comfortable and helps more than regular sit ups and push ups you just keep doing it and eventually you will be able to do more and more

Answer 7

Do push ups little by little, do as many as you can one day. Then the next do more than you did previously. IT should get easier and easier.

Answer 8

Lie on cushions [a duvet would be suitable] or a mat like you see in gyms.