push up help!

hey there i am joining the military today is november 7th i am leaving january 11th and i i am starting my basic training .. i am having a hard time with the pushg ups i have two kids never really have done push ups before .. lol so i have been trying to do full push ups also everyday doing them off the counter and also on my knees .. keep trying every night to do more .. am i doing all i can or should i be doing something different someone please help ... this is stressing me out !!!!

I'd suggest this: 100 pushups.

Original Post by dreadfulpenny:

I'd suggest this: 100 pushups.

^That will definitely help, once you can do standard push-ups. Check here for REAL push-ups. Go to the 3rd page, under #19 there is a short video and explanation. SO many people have piss poor form with push-ups.

thank you i am definitly going to try it out !!!!

I suggest cross training.

Use some dumbells and do some chest exercises and flys.  This can be done off a flat bench. For alternative options rotate the angle of the bench so that you are doing incline, flat and decline. Also do tricep exercises such as dips and triceps pull downs. This will help build up your chest area and triceps. Make sure that the weight that you are using is not too heavy aim for about 10-12 reps.Incorporate in to your program push ups off your knees and slowly build your way up to doing full push ups.

thank you

Here's a great video showing proper technique and common flaws for push-ups.

I am in the army and went to Fort Jackson, SC for basic training (most likely where you're going if you're joining the Army...)  Don't get too down on yourself if you can't do many.  I can tell you now that most of the females that will be their training with you will be able to do less than 10, probably less than 5 proper ones.  You will train daily and you will see progression.  The best way to train for pushups in the mean time is... doing pushups.  I watched the video posted above and think it is great advise.  I tend to flare out my elbows a bit more than I should, but I can tell you now that most of the people in my platoon doing 70+ pushups in 2 minutes were doing the pushups as the video shows (elbows tucked in to your sides)  Basically just keep at it, have a good attitude, and you'll exceed your expectations.

ya i am in canada .. they are sending me to saint jean quebec for my training...just in the last week i have progressed i wasnt even able to complete one full push at the start i did push ups last night and i completed 10... they only expect for woman under 35 9 push ups .. so i am starting to make more progresse ... and i am excited ... thanks so much for the help i am just going to keep at it and do my best .. thanks ,.... xo