I'm having the hardest time breaking 90 degrees when doing pushups. The further down I go the more off balance I feel. I've had my form looked at and it is as it should be. I've been working out with weights to build my upper body, doing knee pushups, and regular ones as well. It is the regular ones that I am having an issue with.
One of the limiting factors for any muscle group is the strength of the group that opposes it. For instance the tricep is limited by bicep strength.
That said: Try adding some backwork to your routine. Most people dont do enough. Add some chinups and rows. I'd aim for 25 chinups ( dont worry about sets, just get 25 good reps) on Monday and 25 reps ( 5 or 6 sets so use correct weight) on Thur..for example.
Also the lower you go in the pushup the LESS the tricep is involved. Therefore I'd bet you are tricep dominant and being a female a bit top heavy. So, I'd try to add some foot elevated pushups and some dumbell floor presses.
You can also try to do low reps in perfect form and build from there. Do two push ups in perfect form and then rest and do two more until you can do no more. It worked for me.
Polarbeargirl: I think that your problem is in your stabilization muscles. I used to do drills with my female soldiers to improve this by starting out in the normal push up position. Do as many CORRECT push ups as you can do. Then, go half way down, and hold your body there for as long as you can. Do this at the end of EVERY single set that you do, it will force the small connective muscles to improve, thus improving your stabilization. You will then be more comfortable going down to 90' because your muscles will be able to support you more. I have used this method many times. You can also do things like rock back and forth and front to back in the same half push up position, it may seem silly but trust me , you will feel it and notice the difference. Above all you have to be consistent, your muscles learn from consistency.
Another thing that I had my soldiers do was experiment with different hand positions, each placement of your hands effects a different muscle group in your shoulders, back, triceps and chest. If you notice that you are stronger in one area, use that position for your PT test and continue to work your weaker areas during training. That way when you tire out during the PT test you can simply move your position of your hands and go at it again. Hope this helps.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: robertsm79,
