Push-ups for beginners

I have great lower body strength. My hips are nice and open and my legs are like two pythons.

My arms and chest on the other hand...

My question is this: When one is first starting out doing push-ups is it better to do 5 baby push-ups or one full real push-up?

Right now I'm doing 5 baby push-ups in three sets and that's (sadly) pushing myself. I think I could do three sets of 1-2 real push-ups if that is better?

Its okay if you laugh. I laugh at my wimpy upper body too sometimes. The point is that I want to become more capable in my upper body. What is the best way to start out so I can increase to doing more real push-ups as I get better at it?

I would start with incline pushups.  They are easier than flat pushups, and as you get stronger you can lower the angle until you are on the floor.

Okay, yeah...

I don't know why I didn't think of that. When I was doing Yoga at home every day I used blocks to do chaturanga dandasana for at least a year before I could do the pose without the blocks every once in a while.

Thanks.

I'm in the same boat as you.

My trainer is having me do the three sets of 5 baby push-ups and also the incline push-ups. She stresses the fact that I don't cheat and just touch my nose - it has to be full on chest lowered..

The beauty of it is we can do this anywhere, anytime we can get a few more in without people seeing and thinking we're loony :)

I know I'll get there eventually. Good luck to you!

Ha! I just tried to do incline push-ups on an aerobic step and I still couldn't go but halfway down.

Would a taller incline work? I guess the step was only about 8 inches (it only has two levels of added height). Should I try something taller or different or am I just so bad off that I should stick to the baby push-ups for a while?

I would start with something taller.  

Original Post by smashley23:

I would start with something taller.  

Yes. As in, kitchen cabinet, a table or dresser.

Original Post by bierorama:

Original Post by smashley23:

I would start with something taller.  

Yes. As in, kitchen cabinet, a table or dresser.

Outdoor: the edge of a deck is good, hood of a car, lowered tailgate of a truck, a backyard bench seat, ....

Original Post by oldguysrule:

Original Post by bierorama:

Original Post by smashley23:

I would start with something taller.  

Yes. As in, kitchen cabinet, a table or dresser.

Outdoor: the edge of a deck is good, hood of a car, lowered tailgate of a truck, a backyard bench seat, ....

Okay!

I'll get right on it.

Thanks, everybody!!!

Stairs