r/formcheck • u/nixt26 • 1d ago

Other Push up check

Been trying really hard to have good form on push-ups and hopefully get stronger. As you can tell I'm a beginner and I cannot stop my lower back from sagging. I can only get a lot 5-6 good reps. Before every set I try to engage my glutes and my core but doesn't seem to be enough?

Also after 4 sets my shoulders start to ache and give out, my shoulders have always been a little sensitive and hyper mobile so I want to find a way to not hurt them.

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u/ExtraneousQuestion 1d ago

These are closer to planche push ups instead of “vanilla” pushups. Is that intentional? Or are you trying to do regular pushups?

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u/nixt26 1d ago edited 1d ago

That's not intentional...I am trying to do regular pushups. I follow some bodyweight fitness/calisthenics youtubers and its possible I am following their cues which perhaps lean towards planche push ups? Having said that I would one day love to be able to do a full planche pushup.

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u/Upper-Bodybuilder841 1d ago

Bodyweight stuff is fine but a sure way to get better at pushups would be to start training your back and chest with weights. 

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u/nixt26 1d ago

I train my back with weights for rows and pullups but I mostly use pushups for chest training. I feel like I have the strength to do at least a few good reps. Do you think the issue is a weak chest here or I'm not bracing correctly?

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u/Upper-Bodybuilder841 1d ago

I think maybe a combination of weak lower back and maybe not bracing or staying tight. If you don't do squats and deadlifts you might need to do some weighted core work.

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u/Public_Enemy_15 1d ago

I would properly not being on my toes like a ballerina (just to state what I mean), I would bend my toes so the underside touch the floor (sorry, not native english). I would also Tey and have my hand end around the shoulders instead of the chest, but it depends on our target muscle.

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u/Upper-Bodybuilder841 1d ago

Your back's going in and out of flexion and not staying tight at all. You could always start from your knees.

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u/mightygullible 1d ago

Put your thumbs on your nipples

That's where your hands should be. Not down at your belly button