What regressions have helped you do the push-up? What progress have you made? 💪 Rebuild Your Body and Mind at Home for Free with the Body Rebuilding Basics: https:://uprighthealth.com/brb
@@Uprighthealth It has varied as I age. One recent mod I have made, in general, is reducing volume. My super power is overtraining! As for pushups, I started on my knees, but quickly went to full on plank version. I was more concerned with good form than volume. I do a lot of advanced core work, shoulder strengthening and mobility work and wrist flexibility work as part of my regular training. Those are key components in doing proper pushups in addition to lifting for chest and back. Mentally, I don’t let age limit me, but my body guides what/ how I work. Time and consistency are key.
I'm retired, 69, and I'm in the gym 5x a week taking cardio classes, yoga, and work with personal training. Plus I walk 5 miles a day. I'm a Type 2 Diabetic and have leukemia to name just a couple of things I got going on. Don't let your age or health be your excuse for not attempting to improve your health. Even just a little movement is better than none at all.
I’m 69. Your suggestion of countertop push-ups was a great restart for me. I also wear a 12 pound weighted vest while doing things around the house. My standing desk and walking pad are also ways I’ve eased back into movement. I also have a doorway pull up bar I use sporadically. I have a stationary bike and a mini trampoline that I haven’t been using lately. But as Winter gets wetter and I’m indoors and not in the garden, I’ll do more indoors. I just purchased 25 pound dumbbells but haven’t started in with weights. I was doing bathroom sink squats, but the OA in my right knee has it slip in and out which is painful so I backed off for now. We all need encouragement and I’m glad you’re not treating us like children but stressing how important it is to keep active and keep strong. Many of us have seen our parents or grandparents or friends decline in their physical health mostly for lack of movement and strength. I know a man locally who is 89 years old… he skateboards, he surfs, he mountain bikes, and he does prone paddle-boarding. He also works out with the weights. No one would ever believe he’s a day over 70!💪🏻 thank you so much for your videos and instruction.❤
I know we all have different circumstances, but as a senior with some significant skeletal issues, I have found that the workout given to me by my physiotherapist as well as the advice from Upright Health have helped me in ways that seem miraculous. I now think of myself as being like a shark--I have to keep moving (and developing strength) to live.
Great video!! I'm a 68-year-old woman with basal thumb arthritis. I have three tips: 1) Wear WAGs gloves; they are heavily padded at the base of the palm and are intended for wrist and basal thumb issues. 2) Get yourself some motivating music just for doing pushups. I highly recommend Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man -- I feel so powerful during the chorus, which repeats three times, allowing me three sets of 8 pushups with breaks in between. Even the intro sets you up for power! It makes a huge psychological difference. 3) Progressions! Started at counter height, then weight-bench height, now at aerobic-step-with-4-risers height. I'll be able to remove risers as I'm able to perform three sets of 8 reliably. My brain used to scream "I can't do it" when I'd try on the floor -- I just did one to see if I could do it with good form, and I can. But I stopped at just one. I'm going to continue with my progressions until I earn my way down to the floor.
You are so right. I’m 80 and just getting into my PT. Slow and steady wins the race. Be smart and listen to your body. Don’t give up. You will be surprised at how a little bit of effort makes you feel better. AND get outside and walk even if you start with 5 minutes. 😊❤️
You’re 💯 on doctors & physio response. Part of it is what they get reimbursed for by insurance & medicare. When I told my physio that I want to be able to once again do a zen squat, she just looked at me. And said that medicare just wanted to make sure I could walk myself to the washroom! 🤦🏽♀️ so thank you for this video. Now can you provide for an old lady a series of movements to gradually accomplish a zen squat? 😊✌🏽
I'm 61 and just started doing (modified) pushups again. i got these cheap handles with a cushioned grip and set them on a set of stairs in my basement so I have a rather high angle to start, and my elbows, etc., go snap and crackle, but nothing is painful. I have cerebral palsy on my right side so it isn't the easiest thing but I'm taking my time, building up reps and eventually use lower stair steps until I get close to ground level. It may take months, but that's okay.
Pushups are hard but that is because the benefits are fantastic. When I do them, goal is 40 no breaks, I get my 40 in, just get it done. I started at zero, keep going...
Excellent breakdown of limitations and resistance. This is exactly what is needed for everyone that starts to let go of the connection to responsibility for all aspects of our health especially as we age. Awesome information! Thanks! Senior series would be valuable.
I’m 67, female and do 150 pushups before lifting and 150 after lifting (8 variations in sets of 20-30). It’s something you build up to starting on your knees and doing 3, if that’s all you can do. Seniors have bought into decline as a given fact of aging. I train five days a week 2 to 3 hours. Start with where you are, do the best with what you have, get help if you need it, be consistent and enjoy the process, and don’t compare yourself. Yes, I have, degenerative discs, bone on bone on the medial side of my right knee and scar tissue in my right shoulder. Those are things that come with years and mileage. But, you can learn to work, smart, with and around those issues. I function at a very high-level and I am nobody out of the ordinary.
I’m so glad you followed up with this video, bc I have to admit, I was using my wrist issues as an excuse to give up on my pushup goals completely! I still find it hard to believe I’ll progress to full pushups, but I WILL try now that you spelled out several options for building blocks. For me, chest presses are probably where I’ll need to start, bc of stiff wrists, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, tendinitis tendencies.😅
Thank you so much for all of your videos. I will be 81 on November 20th. I have been doing UA-cam Pilates for 4 years with Girl With the Pilates Mat. I have also been watching and participating in a lot of your videos. Push ups are a real bugaboo to me too. I am going to rededicate myself to doing them in stages as you have shown. I do agree that we have to move slowly in this process, which means starting on the wall for me. I had my right shoulder replaced 8 years ago. While we worked on flexibility, we didn't do much for strengthening. So my right side is considerably weaker. But I have lots of time to work on this. You have inspired me to rededicate myself to pushups. Your content is always encouraging and joyful for me. Thank you for all of it. I am interested in any program that you might offer seniors!
I like the way you transmit knowledge, it is excellent. The best coaching!!! The end of the video I think that all the seniors will try to do pushups and I will. I like very much the illustration with plant. Thank you very much. I appreciate your love for help the humans. 😊
Hi Matt! I started doing Sun Salutations every morning after not having done them regularly for quite awhile. Every morning while my coffee’s brewing, I manage to get in 6 rounds. The sequence includes Chaturanga and Upward Facing Dog, which is the equivalent of doing Push Ups. I thought I was already pretty strong and was quite surprised to discover how difficult it was to lower down into the push up, due to a chronic shoulder issue. I wasn’t deterred and have kept at it for at least two months. The results? I now have lots more mobility in my shoulders! And my body feels stronger all around! It’s a great way to start the day! And if I also make coffee for my son, then it’s another 6 rounds of Sun Salutations for me! By the way…..I’m a 73 year old yoga teacher. Thanks Matt, for all your tough love!
I agree it takes time and small improvements over time. I am 68 and used to have wrist pain but no longer. Now working to strengthen my core a bit more! I am determined!
I've had a stroke. I walk with a rollator and have footdrop. It is more than extremely difficult to get up off the floor. BUT...I do push-ups from a wall. That is good for all forearm and upper arm muscles, shoulders, upper back, neck, maintaining straight back alignment, dorsiflextion/plantarflexion of the ankle and toes (vital exercises for foot drop), extension of the wrist ( which improves range of motion, mobility, and grip strength). The distance that you place your feet from the wall dictates how difficult the push-up will be. Yes I have some hand arthritis. DON'T do it if it causes pain; rather evaluate how/what you can do to minimize that. Baby steps, and you can improve. Every, single, step helps. If someone has a weight issue this might help with their pushup struggles. I am female and 72. That info might matter to some people. Best advice, keep moving, keep trying, stop with excuses, be proud of any and all improvements.😊
An 82 old male. I can remember my first push up in the 7th grade. I thought it was close to impossible, but over time each push up became easier. Today I can do 50 full pushups in a single set, chest to the ground and a full lockout. I'm confinced that most (not all) who feel daunted doing pushups are just not willing to put in the work. The secret--it takes time and persistence- but it is worth the effort. It will not be easy, but there are progressions. You may have to back off, if you try to progress too rapidly and injure youself, as I have many times, but persistence and paying attention to your body eventually pays off. One thing seniors have over youngsters is time. I could workout three hours a day, spend a couple hours reading and still get all my "honey do's" done. If you are a senior you've likely run out of believable excuses.
When I started doing static hangs, they were so painful and difficult I couldn't hang onto the bar for even 3 seconds. So I hung on for 5 sets of 2 seconds, and also 30 seconds with my feet touching the ground. Today I can static hang for 70 seconds, and do knee lifts. My shoulder pain is gone. Completely gone, without surgery. This video convinced me to start working on single arm hangs, even though I can't hold onto the bar for even 3 seconds with 1 hand. FWIW I'm 63.
You do not have more time after retirement! Increased injuries and increased time to recover makes everything takes much longer to do which leaves LESS TIME and not more. Not to mention the extra time needed for doctor visits and therapy sessions. The reason people think time goes faster as you get older is because every task takes longer and longer to complete... especially if you are single and must struggle to do everything yourself
I know the feeling but I think you're missing something. A small amount of time exercising each day will speed everything up again. Not dramatically, not back to how it was once, but *more than the time spent exercising*.
I really like press-ups. I have progressed from doing one or - possibly - two, to doing three sets of 10 good press-ups. Initially I found that my wrists were hurting, but by doing them on my knuckles (on a mat), I minimised any discomfort
Regressions Regressions Regressions… 😂❤ One I tried (with wrist, neck, back etc pain) is just doing a push/pull at a door jamb almost upright standing. Just barely diagonal ❤
At 78, I have bee making some progress. Unfortunately I find that, although the exercises are not painful at the time, two or three days latter, it raises its ugly head. Keep up your great work. Thank you
Thanks for this video, Matt. I love how you address both the physical and mental/attitude obstacles to progress. Your compassionate but light approach is perfect for me (71 and too fond of the easy chair😏)
I have never been able to do a push-up. Never 😱 I’ve always been a small boned ‘ delicate’ woman. You make me realize I don’t have to get my nose on the floor. I’m going to start again. Thank you 🌷
Also with bad wrist pain, I’ve tried just starting on my forearms doing planks to try to strengthen my back separately then doing gentle wrist stretches/strengthening by sitting and leaning back on my wrists to work on wrist mobility/strength. I don’t know if this is a good idea for all (one physical therapist didn’t want me stretching my wrists for example) but some ideas for very tiny easy beginner moves
I fell hard on my arms while running about five years ago. Damaged my left elbow quite badly. But I kept going to the gym doing what I could and after six months could do everything as normal but still had a weaker left arm. Took another year or two of just doing my routine and now it’s as if it was never injured. I am 72. My advice is do weights and running consistently from age 40 or 50 and only take a month off for any illness. Never give it up. My ‘push’ is watching my mother and father in law in their late 80s grow frail and miserable in their assisted living flat. Their exercise used to be walking. It’s not enough to stop muscle wasting and cardio decline and now both need a stroller to walk across the room. My hero is my grandpa who was always into sports and was walking just fine and living alone at 97.
I feel that Matt is right about ego/rationalization. It's too easy to argue myself out of doing exercise. First hand experience - When in my mid-50s, I routinely could do 75 full pushups. At 75 now, I find that it is much easier to convince myself to sit down because my severe OA (ALL my hand & wrist joints, Knee, TMJ, both shoulders separated (grades 2 and 3), etc. are constantly yellng at me to SIT DOWN! But I started doing a regressed pushup against my kitchen island (a very modest effort at 36" high) I found that if I didn't try to do too many or too quickly, my shoulders and hands tolerated it and I can now do more. Soon, I can start on a somewhat lover platform. For me, I think that my best time to do exercises is right when I get up before I start thinking about pain - even if I have had a night where my throbbing hands wake me up. I've expressed interest in Matt's seniors program, since I seem to have lost the will to continue on my own.
Congrats on getting started, Frank. It can be tough at ANY age to feel like you don't have the willpower / discipline to exercise...Getting an accountability partner/workout buddy can be a big help. Or making a deal with yourself to reward yourself for a job well done can also be a big help too. Very few people have the willpower to workout consistently without some kind of accountability system in place (friend, coach, family member, tracking system, etc.). Even just telling a family member, "hey, I'm gonna do [x] twice a week. If I don't, smack me" can be a big help. 😀
Using a wall, doorway frame or stairway spindles if you need to not have flat hands and need to hold something may be a good start. Start close and moving further back as you get stronger.😊
I have been a personal trainer for over 35 years and have never had a client that could not do some form of push up. They are a primal movement pattern so you are made to do them. They work the entire body, a moving plank! And, a legitimate use of a Smith machine! It’s the upper body squat! They also improve posture throughout the body if done correctly. Done
At 60 I am focusing on weight loss first. So six mile walks and careful dieting. Just beginning to add in some of your exercises now, mainly lower body until I can drop some more weight. Slowly adding in some light upper body and core training. But at this stage bringing my weight down is the most important. 40 years of working in a factory hasn't been kind to my body.
January 2009 my labrum was shredded 2/3 of the way around - I had the slap lesion repair, capsule adjustment and something else I can't really recall. I played competitive adult hardball through the 2022 season. I saw the surgeon who did that surgery in 2023 and he said there is so much arthritis in my shoulder, I should never do any kind of pushing exercise - and that he'd see me in 15-20 years to replace both my shoulders. (I do have hemochromatosis which MIGHT legitimately have increased the arthristis progression. I've had two surgeries on my left foot [2015 & 2018] and, last month saw a new x-ray - there's so much arthritis - THAT surgeon believes he can make a successful case to workers comp that he should replace my ankle [as I refuse a fusion altogether] despite my relatively young age of 54. Two years removed from playing competitive sports - I can barely walk. And yes, I should not have continued trying to play baseball with men half my age, after two foot surgeries. [The second removed the tendon from my big toe to the calf.]) Anyway, I'm just whining. I'm overwhelmed by foot and shoulder and recently neck pain. I don't know how to get started on surviving the last 1/3 of my life.
Warm up slowly, but move joints purposefully till things lube up! The regression that fixed me is a combo , doorframe chinup bar / doing a 1 min reverse hang position but with a chair to catch me.......: and before push-ups do a couple planks, and jog in place to initiate interstitial fluids. Then try and do 3 sets of 5 push-ups to start, finish them on your knees if needed, but be consistent. If not 5, do sets of 1 or 2 for 1 week. If you have rheumatoid like me, find a way to bed rest more, and figure out your inflammation trigger foods and stop them. Also, please please move with some joyful breathing! It will increase HGH production, human growth hormone, which heals damaged degenerated joints.
In my case, doing conventional push-ups, my left wrist was in pain during and afterwards, from twisting it up/back, even trying to do one push-up. So I make fists, and just do push-ups on my fists instead (everything else the same), and it's absolutely fine! I'll work on regaining wrist flexion later.
You need to approach any exercise in a holistic manner which means you need to consider diet and sleep. I kept pushing at the gym to overcome the pain in my wrists until I could do bench presses.
Push ups hurt my shoulders after avoiding them for a decade or so. When I tried again a week later they didn’t hurt as much. The 3rd time they felt normal. I just couldn’t do very many. Still working up to 50/day like I used to but it’s getting easier just more healing time.
Hey, I just started wanting to get into working out. I have been thinking of getting some Powerblock adjustable dumbbells 5-50lb, and wanted to know your input if this would be a well balanced workout? I plan on doing Dumbbell workouts for my whole upper body, pushups, squats & sit-ups. My goal is to increase strength and gain some mass on my arms. I am 19 years old and never have worked out before. Thanks.
My problem with push-ups is with my shoulders. Up rows help but I have had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders. How can I make push-ups work for me?
There are other exercises that can be substituted such as a classic bench press or single arm dumbbell chest press. You can also try bent over rows too. Go light when starting and gradually increase the weight, sets, and reps as you get stronger.
Get yourself a decent exercise band with a door attachment and do "push outs". MUCH cheaper than weights and you can feel your way into the resistance, rather than a weight which is all or nothing.
I have a bunch of questions that are really all one question in different angles. When you do a push-up onto a scale or two scales how much weight is there under each hand. So if I weigh 200 pounds the weight isn’t gonna be 100 on each scale it’s going to be some smaller number because some of the way is taken up by my feet. OK so what is the function - assume some reasonable height let’s see a tall woman and a short man or 58 so that’s a good assumption that’s wrong for almost everyone but right we’re being a middle point. And now, if I do the same thing on the seat of a chair, what’s the weight per hand. And now if I do the same thing on a counter in the kitchen, what is the weight on chance? OK Mat, that’s what I wanna know. Why do I wanna know that in particular? Because that is the weight of the dumbbell I will have to lift for the equivalent version of the push-up. Thank you very much. You’re a smart guy and wanting to give your listeners values so I know you will come up with this. You can make it a real funny video too. Thanks a lot.
If you're already retired... you've PROBABLY got some time to at least TRY to see what you can accomplish. I'm more fit at 70 than I was at 60, and I'm still emworking on it.
50yo all downhill ha ha ha I am 66yo and been practicing kendo for a year this Nov. Done my 6Kyu grade, entry level grade like kinder, but so proud. Not gloating, still being sensible and careful. By the way,good activity for my osteoporosis 👍
My philosophy is don't let your body get in such poor condition that you can't do pushups or walking or squats. Ps: I'm 80 and went out on my bike for a 9 mile run hills up to 400 feet two weeks ago, 1hour and 50 min. Your suggestion of starting out gently and slowly buildup is how to do it.
I get it. I'm sixty. I love push ups, and I get why seniors are concerned about them. I get that you're trying to help. But this just sounded like a nagging lecture. The tone was not helpful. It was condescending. Reading the letters as if mocking then. Good intention, I'm sure. Bad approach.
Actually, these don’t sound like stupid comments to me at all. Matt is just answering a bunch of us who have felt the same things. Every question or comment creates a great teaching! I learned a lot with today’s lesson.
What makes this channel stand out is that Matt realizes that comments like these are not stupid, but a natural human reaction to pain and discomfort. I really appreciate Matt’s patience to spend the time to explain and encourage seniors!
I love your sass when responding to all of our “yes but” type replies of why we are not willing/able to do push ups. Did anyone else get on the floor and do a push up or 2 to see how you stack up?
I 💖it when you say,,,if you’re a senior or you just feel like a senior, I feel like you’re talking to me😂 I feel like that until I found your channel. Now I feel so much stronger doing most of the exercises I learned from you,,,,I feel so much stronger before I hit my senior…rity😄🫧🪅
What regressions have helped you do the push-up? What progress have you made?
💪 Rebuild Your Body and Mind at Home for Free with the Body Rebuilding Basics: https:://uprighthealth.com/brb
@@Uprighthealth I am 58 yrs young and training myself to glide across the monkey bars. It is a long time dream to conquer this.
@@Uprighthealth It has varied as I age. One recent mod I have made, in general, is reducing volume. My super power is overtraining! As for pushups, I started on my knees, but quickly went to full on plank version. I was more concerned with good form than volume. I do a lot of advanced core work, shoulder strengthening and mobility work and wrist flexibility work as part of my regular training. Those are key components in doing proper pushups in addition to lifting for chest and back. Mentally, I don’t let age limit me, but my body guides what/ how I work. Time and consistency are key.
I'm retired, 69, and I'm in the gym 5x a week taking cardio classes, yoga, and work with personal training. Plus I walk 5 miles a day. I'm a Type 2 Diabetic and have leukemia to name just a couple of things I got going on. Don't let your age or health be your excuse for not attempting to improve your health. Even just a little movement is better than none at all.
You can reverse type II with correct diet. ❤
Thank you so much for this encouragement
Good on you!
💖💖💖
Then Ihave no excuse
I’m 69. Your suggestion of countertop push-ups was a great restart for me. I also wear a 12 pound weighted vest while doing things around the house. My standing desk and walking pad are also ways I’ve eased back into movement. I also have a doorway pull up bar I use sporadically. I have a stationary bike and a mini trampoline that I haven’t been using lately. But as Winter gets wetter and I’m indoors and not in the garden, I’ll do more indoors. I just purchased 25 pound dumbbells but haven’t started in with weights. I was doing bathroom sink squats, but the OA in my right knee has it slip in and out which is painful so I backed off for now. We all need encouragement and I’m glad you’re not treating us like children but stressing how important it is to keep active and keep strong. Many of us have seen our parents or grandparents or friends decline in their physical health mostly for lack of movement and strength. I know a man locally who is 89 years old… he skateboards, he surfs, he mountain bikes, and he does prone paddle-boarding. He also works out with the weights. No one would ever believe he’s a day over 70!💪🏻 thank you so much for your videos and instruction.❤
I know we all have different circumstances, but as a senior with some significant skeletal issues, I have found that the workout given to me by my physiotherapist as well as the advice from Upright Health have helped me in ways that seem miraculous. I now think of myself as being like a shark--I have to keep moving (and developing strength) to live.
🔥You ARE A SHARK!!! 🦈
Great video!! I'm a 68-year-old woman with basal thumb arthritis. I have three tips: 1) Wear WAGs gloves; they are heavily padded at the base of the palm and are intended for wrist and basal thumb issues. 2) Get yourself some motivating music just for doing pushups. I highly recommend Marvin Gaye's Trouble Man -- I feel so powerful during the chorus, which repeats three times, allowing me three sets of 8 pushups with breaks in between. Even the intro sets you up for power! It makes a huge psychological difference. 3) Progressions! Started at counter height, then weight-bench height, now at aerobic-step-with-4-risers height. I'll be able to remove risers as I'm able to perform three sets of 8 reliably. My brain used to scream "I can't do it" when I'd try on the floor -- I just did one to see if I could do it with good form, and I can. But I stopped at just one. I'm going to continue with my progressions until I earn my way down to the floor.
You are so right. I’m 80 and just getting into my PT. Slow and steady wins the race. Be smart and listen to your body. Don’t give up. You will be surprised at how a little bit of effort makes you feel better. AND get outside and walk even if you start with 5 minutes. 😊❤️
That a girl. Thanks for the reminder, and inspiration. Blessings, :)
You’re 💯 on doctors & physio response. Part of it is what they get reimbursed for by insurance & medicare. When I told my physio that I want to be able to once again do a zen squat, she just looked at me. And said that medicare just wanted to make sure I could walk myself to the washroom! 🤦🏽♀️ so thank you for this video. Now can you provide for an old lady a series of movements to gradually accomplish a zen squat? 😊✌🏽
I'm 61 and just started doing (modified) pushups again. i got these cheap handles with a cushioned grip and set them on a set of stairs in my basement so I have a rather high angle to start, and my elbows, etc., go snap and crackle, but nothing is painful. I have cerebral palsy on my right side so it isn't the easiest thing but I'm taking my time, building up reps and eventually use lower stair steps until I get close to ground level. It may take months, but that's okay.
You go!!! 🎉
Pushups are hard but that is because the benefits are fantastic. When I do them, goal is 40 no breaks, I get my 40 in, just get it done. I started at zero, keep going...
Excellent breakdown of limitations and resistance. This is exactly what is needed for everyone that starts to let go of the connection to responsibility for all aspects of our health especially as we age. Awesome information! Thanks! Senior series would be valuable.
Thank You so much and greetings from Germany!
You helped me get exercising again by repairing my knees. I keep wondering lately if I should start attempting pushups-and here you are to help me!
I’m 67, female and do 150 pushups before lifting and 150 after lifting (8 variations in sets of 20-30). It’s something you build up to starting on your knees and doing 3, if that’s all you can do. Seniors have bought into decline as a given fact of aging. I train five days a week 2 to 3 hours. Start with where you are, do the best with what you have, get help if you need it, be consistent and enjoy the process, and don’t compare yourself. Yes, I have, degenerative discs, bone on bone on the medial side of my right knee and scar tissue in my right shoulder. Those are things that come with years and mileage. But, you can learn to work, smart, with and around those issues. I function at a very high-level and I am nobody out of the ordinary.
I’m so glad you followed up with this video, bc I have to admit, I was using my wrist issues as an excuse to give up on my pushup goals completely! I still find it hard to believe I’ll progress to full pushups, but I WILL try now that you spelled out several options for building blocks. For me, chest presses are probably where I’ll need to start, bc of stiff wrists, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, tendinitis tendencies.😅
Thank you so much for all of your videos. I will be 81 on November 20th. I have been doing UA-cam Pilates for 4 years with Girl With the Pilates Mat. I have also been watching and participating in a lot of your videos. Push ups are a real bugaboo to me too. I am going to rededicate myself to doing them in stages as you have shown. I do agree that we have to move slowly in this process, which means starting on the wall for me. I had my right shoulder replaced 8 years ago. While we worked on flexibility, we didn't do much for strengthening. So my right side is considerably weaker. But I have lots of time to work on this. You have inspired me to rededicate myself to pushups.
Your content is always encouraging and joyful for me. Thank you for all of it. I am interested in any program that you might offer seniors!
Awesome video! Thanks for telling it like it really is and thanks for detailing progressions we can build on. Keep up the good work. Inspiring!
“Convict Conditioning”
Step 1 wall pushups
Step 2 pushups at the kitchen sink
Step 3 pushups from knees
Step 4 half pushups
Step 5 I haven’t gotten there
I like the way you transmit knowledge, it is excellent. The best coaching!!! The end of the video I think that all the seniors will try to do pushups and I will. I like very much the illustration with plant.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your love for help the humans. 😊
Thank you for speaking to us seniors with sensible honesty. “Seniors, Stay Stronger” could be the name of your new program. I am interested.
I needed this pep talk, so thank you!
Hi Matt! I started doing Sun Salutations every morning after not having done them regularly for quite awhile. Every morning while my coffee’s brewing, I manage to get in 6 rounds. The sequence includes Chaturanga and Upward Facing Dog, which is the equivalent of doing Push Ups.
I thought I was already pretty strong and was quite surprised to discover how difficult it was to lower down into the push up, due to a chronic shoulder issue. I wasn’t deterred and have kept at it for at least two months.
The results? I now have lots more mobility in my shoulders! And my body feels stronger all around! It’s a great way to start the day! And if I also make coffee for my son, then it’s another 6 rounds of Sun Salutations for me! By the way…..I’m a 73 year old yoga teacher. Thanks Matt, for all your tough love!
Sun Salutations cover a lot of bases. Fantastic to do daily. Yoga doesn’t get enough credit.
@ You are correct! 🙏🏻
I agree it takes time and small improvements over time. I am 68 and used to have wrist pain but no longer. Now working to strengthen my core a bit more! I am determined!
Excellent guidance on pushups! Thank you so much, you always provide excellent information, showing us how to strengthen core and upper body! ❤
I've had a stroke. I walk with a rollator and have footdrop. It is more than extremely difficult to get up off the floor. BUT...I do push-ups from a wall. That is good for all forearm and upper arm muscles, shoulders, upper back, neck, maintaining straight back alignment, dorsiflextion/plantarflexion of the ankle and toes (vital exercises for foot drop), extension of the wrist ( which improves range of motion, mobility, and grip strength). The distance that you place your feet from the wall dictates how difficult the push-up will be. Yes I have some hand arthritis. DON'T do it if it causes pain; rather evaluate how/what you can do to minimize that. Baby steps, and you can improve. Every, single, step helps. If someone has a weight issue this might help with their pushup struggles. I am female and 72. That info might matter to some people. Best advice, keep moving, keep trying, stop with excuses, be proud of any and all improvements.😊
An 82 old male. I can remember my first push up in the 7th grade. I thought it was close to impossible, but over time each push up became easier. Today I can do 50 full pushups in a single set, chest to the ground and a full lockout. I'm confinced that most (not all) who feel daunted doing pushups are just not willing to put in the work. The secret--it takes time and persistence- but it is worth the effort. It will not be easy, but there are progressions. You may have to back off, if you try to progress too rapidly and injure youself, as I have many times, but persistence and paying attention to your body eventually pays off. One thing seniors have over youngsters is time. I could workout three hours a day, spend a couple hours reading and still get all my "honey do's" done. If you are a senior you've likely run out of believable excuses.
Amazing pushup advice! I love how you bring positivity and understanding to these videos! 💪
When I started doing static hangs, they were so painful and difficult I couldn't hang onto the bar for even 3 seconds. So I hung on for 5 sets of 2 seconds, and also 30 seconds with my feet touching the ground.
Today I can static hang for 70 seconds, and do knee lifts. My shoulder pain is gone. Completely gone, without surgery.
This video convinced me to start working on single arm hangs, even though I can't hold onto the bar for even 3 seconds with 1 hand. FWIW I'm 63.
Thank you Matt for helping so many!
Thanks for your continuing support! 🙏
You do not have more time after retirement! Increased injuries and increased time to recover makes everything takes much longer to do which leaves LESS TIME and not more. Not to mention the extra time needed for doctor visits and therapy sessions. The reason people think time goes faster as you get older is because every task takes longer and longer to complete... especially if you are single and must struggle to do everything yourself
I know the feeling but I think you're missing something. A small amount of time exercising each day will speed everything up again. Not dramatically, not back to how it was once, but *more than the time spent exercising*.
The key is to reject
"real" standards for
fit young ppl and DO
WHAT WORKS til it
builds capability or
at least slows down
the degradation
I really like press-ups. I have progressed from doing one or - possibly - two, to doing three sets of 10 good press-ups. Initially I found that my wrists were hurting, but by doing them on my knuckles (on a mat), I minimised any discomfort
I am 58 years old. Thank you for letting me know what to work on to keep moving as I am getting older.
Regressions
Regressions
Regressions…
😂❤
One I tried (with wrist, neck, back etc pain) is just doing a push/pull at a door jamb almost upright standing. Just barely diagonal ❤
At 78, I have bee making some progress. Unfortunately I find that, although the exercises are not painful at the time, two or three days latter, it raises its ugly head.
Keep up your great work.
Thank you
Thanks for this video, Matt. I love how you address both the physical and mental/attitude obstacles to progress. Your compassionate but light approach is perfect for me (71 and too fond of the easy chair😏)
I have never been able to do a push-up. Never 😱 I’ve always been a small boned ‘ delicate’ woman. You make me realize I don’t have to get my nose on the floor. I’m going to start again. Thank you 🌷
Also with bad wrist pain, I’ve tried just starting on my forearms doing planks to try to strengthen my back separately then doing gentle wrist stretches/strengthening by sitting and leaning back on my wrists to work on wrist mobility/strength. I don’t know if this is a good idea for all (one physical therapist didn’t want me stretching my wrists for example) but some ideas for very tiny easy beginner moves
I fell hard on my arms while running about five years ago. Damaged my left elbow quite badly. But I kept going to the gym doing what I could and after six months could do everything as normal but still had a weaker left arm. Took another year or two of just doing my routine and now it’s as if it was never injured. I am 72. My advice is do weights and running consistently from age 40 or 50 and only take a month off for any illness. Never give it up. My ‘push’ is watching my mother and father in law in their late 80s grow frail and miserable in their assisted living flat. Their exercise used to be walking. It’s not enough to stop muscle wasting and cardio decline and now both need a stroller to walk across the room. My hero is my grandpa who was always into sports and was walking just fine and living alone at 97.
Isometric exercises are a great way to get you started. Easy on the joints and builds muscle fairly quickly.
Great Ideas Thankyou .
I feel that Matt is right about ego/rationalization. It's too easy to argue myself out of doing exercise. First hand experience - When in my mid-50s, I routinely could do 75 full pushups. At 75 now, I find that it is much easier to convince myself to sit down because my severe OA (ALL my hand & wrist joints, Knee, TMJ, both shoulders separated (grades 2 and 3), etc. are constantly yellng at me to SIT DOWN! But I started doing a regressed pushup against my kitchen island (a very modest effort at 36" high) I found that if I didn't try to do too many or too quickly, my shoulders and hands tolerated it and I can now do more. Soon, I can start on a somewhat lover platform. For me, I think that my best time to do exercises is right when I get up before I start thinking about pain - even if I have had a night where my throbbing hands wake me up. I've expressed interest in Matt's seniors program, since I seem to have lost the will to continue on my own.
Congrats on getting started, Frank. It can be tough at ANY age to feel like you don't have the willpower / discipline to exercise...Getting an accountability partner/workout buddy can be a big help. Or making a deal with yourself to reward yourself for a job well done can also be a big help too. Very few people have the willpower to workout consistently without some kind of accountability system in place (friend, coach, family member, tracking system, etc.). Even just telling a family member, "hey, I'm gonna do [x] twice a week. If I don't, smack me" can be a big help. 😀
Love your new occupational title.
GREAT SHOW
I love you brother
Thank you
Stay awesome!
Uma do exactly what you said. 😊
You're the best - Thank you!
Using a wall, doorway frame or stairway spindles if you need to not have flat hands and need to hold something may be a good start. Start close and moving further back as you get stronger.😊
This was very motivating
I have been a personal trainer for over 35 years and have never had a client that could not do some form of push up. They are a primal movement pattern so you are made to do them. They work the entire body, a moving plank! And, a legitimate use of a Smith machine! It’s the upper body squat! They also improve posture throughout the body if done correctly. Done
Great video
At 60 I am focusing on weight loss first. So six mile walks and careful dieting. Just beginning to add in some of your exercises now, mainly lower body until I can drop some more weight. Slowly adding in some light upper body and core training. But at this stage bringing my weight down is the most important. 40 years of working in a factory hasn't been kind to my body.
Good - diplomatic!!- video!😮
January 2009 my labrum was shredded 2/3 of the way around - I had the slap lesion repair, capsule adjustment and something else I can't really recall. I played competitive adult hardball through the 2022 season. I saw the surgeon who did that surgery in 2023 and he said there is so much arthritis in my shoulder, I should never do any kind of pushing exercise - and that he'd see me in 15-20 years to replace both my shoulders. (I do have hemochromatosis which MIGHT legitimately have increased the arthristis progression. I've had two surgeries on my left foot [2015 & 2018] and, last month saw a new x-ray - there's so much arthritis - THAT surgeon believes he can make a successful case to workers comp that he should replace my ankle [as I refuse a fusion altogether] despite my relatively young age of 54. Two years removed from playing competitive sports - I can barely walk. And yes, I should not have continued trying to play baseball with men half my age, after two foot surgeries. [The second removed the tendon from my big toe to the calf.]) Anyway, I'm just whining. I'm overwhelmed by foot and shoulder and recently neck pain. I don't know how to get started on surviving the last 1/3 of my life.
Warm up slowly, but move joints purposefully till things lube up! The regression that fixed me is a combo , doorframe chinup bar / doing a 1 min reverse hang position but with a chair to catch me.......: and before push-ups do a couple planks, and jog in place to initiate interstitial fluids. Then try and do 3 sets of 5 push-ups to start, finish them on your knees if needed, but be consistent. If not 5, do sets of 1 or 2 for 1 week. If you have rheumatoid like me, find a way to bed rest more, and figure out your inflammation trigger foods and stop them. Also, please please move with some joyful breathing! It will increase HGH production, human growth hormone, which heals damaged degenerated joints.
In my case, doing conventional push-ups, my left wrist was in pain during and afterwards, from twisting it up/back, even trying to do one push-up. So I make fists, and just do push-ups on my fists instead (everything else the same), and it's absolutely fine! I'll work on regaining wrist flexion later.
Thanks!
Big thanks to you!
You need to approach any exercise in a holistic manner which means you need to consider diet and sleep. I kept pushing at the gym to overcome the pain in my wrists until I could do bench presses.
How about doing scapula pushups either as well or as a regression?
Those are good as a regression or just extra work even when you can do a full push-up!
Push ups hurt my shoulders after avoiding them for a decade or so. When I tried again a week later they didn’t hurt as much. The 3rd time they felt normal. I just couldn’t do very many. Still working up to 50/day like I used to but it’s getting easier just more healing time.
Love you video ❤
You want me to exercise? You know I have bad glands. --Jimmy DeSanta 🤣
Hey,
I just started wanting to get into working out. I have been thinking of getting some Powerblock adjustable dumbbells 5-50lb, and wanted to know your input if this would be a well balanced workout? I plan on doing Dumbbell workouts for my whole upper body, pushups, squats & sit-ups.
My goal is to increase strength and gain some mass on my arms. I am 19 years old and never have worked out before.
Thanks.
I'm starting really slowly, I just watch videos like this instead of exercising.🙂
Doing them in a swimming pool helps with gravity and hand arthritis. I'm not certain I should do them with a chemo port so I just do bench presses.
My problem with push-ups is with my shoulders. Up rows help but I have had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders. How can I make push-ups work for me?
There are other exercises that can be substituted such as a classic bench press or single arm dumbbell chest press. You can also try bent over rows too. Go light when starting and gradually increase the weight, sets, and reps as you get stronger.
@dynomitenash8970 thank you so much 💓
Get yourself a decent exercise band with a door attachment and do "push outs".
MUCH cheaper than weights and you can feel your way into the resistance, rather than a weight which is all or nothing.
I have a bunch of questions that are really all one question in different angles. When you do a push-up onto a scale or two scales how much weight is there under each hand. So if I weigh 200 pounds the weight isn’t gonna be 100 on each scale it’s going to be some smaller number because some of the way is taken up by my feet. OK so what is the function - assume some reasonable height let’s see a tall woman and a short man or 58 so that’s a good assumption that’s wrong for almost everyone but right we’re being a middle point.
And now, if I do the same thing on the seat of a chair, what’s the weight per hand. And now if I do the same thing on a counter in the kitchen, what is the weight on chance?
OK Mat, that’s what I wanna know. Why do I wanna know that in particular? Because that is the weight of the dumbbell I will have to lift for the equivalent version of the push-up.
Thank you very much. You’re a smart guy and wanting to give your listeners values so I know you will come up with this. You can make it a real funny video too. Thanks a lot.
If you're already retired... you've PROBABLY got some time to at least TRY to see what you can accomplish. I'm more fit at 70 than I was at 60, and I'm still emworking on it.
At 66 I'm still doin around 400 - 500 every day, combine with horsestands after every set that's between 10 - 30 each ---
50yo all downhill ha ha ha
I am 66yo and been practicing kendo for a year this Nov. Done my 6Kyu grade, entry level grade like kinder, but so proud. Not gloating, still being sensible and careful. By the way,good activity for my osteoporosis 👍
My philosophy is don't let your body get in such poor condition that you can't do pushups or walking or squats. Ps: I'm 80 and went out on my bike for a 9 mile run hills up to 400 feet two weeks ago, 1hour and 50 min. Your suggestion of starting out gently and slowly buildup is how to do it.
I like floor push ups. I am 70 year old female, ten push-ups. 👍🏼✋🏼
Shoulders. Damaged shoulders. So start with that.
Love push-ups !
liked and subscribed
Here's a good counter
... Most fitness pros
aren't doing "real"
pushups either
... adding little cheats
to get faster or more
I can do ~100
For me, it’s elbow pain
“Both the man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are correct.” Confucius..
I get it. I'm sixty. I love push ups, and I get why seniors are concerned about them. I get that you're trying to help.
But this just sounded like a nagging lecture. The tone was not helpful. It was condescending. Reading the letters as if mocking then. Good intention, I'm sure. Bad approach.
Bro we gonna die anyway
Common sense people😌
Matt, you always spend alot of time explaining to adults how to approach exercise and options. People just never surprise with their stupid comments.😮
Actually, these don’t sound like stupid comments to me at all. Matt is just answering a bunch of us who have felt the same things. Every question or comment creates a great teaching! I learned a lot with today’s lesson.
What makes this channel stand out is that Matt realizes that comments like these are not stupid, but a natural human reaction to pain and discomfort. I really appreciate Matt’s patience to spend the time to explain and encourage seniors!
🤣
I love your sass when responding to all of our “yes but” type replies of why we are not willing/able to do push ups.
Did anyone else get on the floor and do a push up or 2 to see how you stack up?
👌🏻😁🖖🏻
Because your wrists hurt
I 💖it when you say,,,if you’re a senior or you just feel like a senior, I feel like you’re talking to me😂 I feel like that until I found your channel. Now I feel so much stronger doing most of the exercises I learned from you,,,,I feel so much stronger before I hit my senior…rity😄🫧🪅
Thanks!
Much gratitude for your support!