Why do I struggle so much with pushups?

Author: Mrs. Retha Heidenreich PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

One of the most common culprits responsible for trouble nailing pushups is a lack of core strength, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). That being said, if you really want to amp up your pushup game, core work (specifically planking) is a must.

How do I stop struggling to do push-ups?

Do push ups consistently and try to push past your limits. If you can only do 3 pushups rn, then id suggest doing the three and then try and push out a 4th until it feels easier; then add one. Adding a variety of pushup types will help build your back/chest as well and it most certainly will make it easier over time.

Why am I so weak that I can't even do a pushup?

You may not be using proper form when doing push-ups. Make sure you are keeping your body straight, engaging your core and glutes, and lowering yourself down until your chest nearly touches the ground.

Why am I not getting stronger with push-ups?

4 Key Reasons Why You Struggle With Push-ups.
  • 1. Poor technique awareness.
  • 2. A lack of upper body pushing strength
  • 3. A lack of core strength and awareness
  • 4. A lack of shoulder stability

Do push-ups ever get easier?

If you don't know how to do a push-up, it may feel a little awkward at first, but it will get easier.

The REAL Reason You’re Bad at Pushups

Does 100 pushups a day do anything?

Doing 100 push-ups a day can be an impactful element of your overall strength-building and -maintaining routine. And you don't need to be at a gym to do them. “It's a quick and efficient way to strengthen some upper body muscles,” Rad says. “It is a bodyweight move that can be done virtually anywhere.”

Can push-ups give you abs?

While push-ups can strengthen your core, including your abdominals, they won't give you defined abs on their own. For defined abs, combine regular workouts –– including targeted exercises like crunches –– with a balanced diet.

Why am I failing push-ups?

Failing to go deep enough or come into a full extension is one of the most common mistakes with this exercise. In a proper push-up, you should bend your elbows to at least 90 degrees when you lower your chest down. Your chest should almost touch the floor. On the way up, fully extend your elbows.

Why are push-ups so challenging?

Why are push-ups so hard for me? Well, for one, you're lifting a significant percentage of your entire body's weight — up to 75% if you're doing the standard push-up, as we've already pointed out.

Do push-ups actually build strength?

Push-ups can strengthen so many areas of your body, says Aine Thomas, NASM-CPT and nutrition-certified trainer with The Edge Fitness Clubs. “They work your chest, shoulders, triceps, core, and even your glutes, making them an efficient way to build strength and stability.”

Can a skinny person do push-ups?

Now, the muscle guy could find it subjectively easier because he's stronger, but he would still have to exert more force to perform the act. So yes, of course it's easier for a skinny guy to do push ups than a larger guy.

How to get strong enough for push-ups?

Modified Push-Ups – Feet on an Object

Progressively elevate your feet to higher levels to increase the intensity. You may also increase the difficulty, hence your strength, by doing push-ups between chairs with your feet elevated and lowering yourself as far as your can between them.

How many pushups per day?

These need to be performed in proper form to avoid strain or injury. Individuals who have reached intermediate and advanced levels might set more ambitious goals. The range can vary between 50 and 100 pushups per day, split into multiple sets.

Why are push-ups harder than lifting?

Push-ups use your body weight for resistance. But you don't actually lift your entire weight because your legs support some of the load. Some research suggests that you support roughly 69% to 75% of your total body weight during traditional push-ups. Push-ups can be difficult for beginners to master.

Is 3 sets of 15 pushups good?

Once you get comfortable with 10-12 push-ups per set, you can increase your repetitions to 15-20 and perform at least 3 sets. This will help you gain effective results.

Why can't I even do one pushup?

If you don't work on your legs

If you focus more on arms muscles then it might be difficult for you to do push-ups. Push-up is a full-body exercise and to do that your arms, core, and legs muscles have to be strong. If any of these muscles are weak it might be difficult for you to do push-ups.

How long does it take to get better at pushups?

You'll advance from five to 50 push-ups over four weeks. It's OK to split the reps into sets (i.e., two sets of 25 push-ups). Just make sure to take short breaks between each set to keep your heart pumping and your muscles working.

Is 100 pushups a day good?

If you do 100 Push Ups a day, you may experience improvements in upper body strength, muscle mass, and endurance. However, this intense routine can also lead to potential overuse injuries, muscle imbalances, and plateaus in progress.

Should your chest touch the floor during a push-up?

Squeeze your shoulders, glutes, and core to create full-body tension. Your spine should form a straight line, with a neutral spine. Bend your elbows to descend to the floor, stopping with your chest just above the ground.

Will pushups build chest?

Yes, push-ups can get you a chiseled chest.

Do pushups burn belly fat?

Push-ups engage multiple muscle groups, increasing calorie burn and aiding in fat loss, including around the belly.

How many push-ups for a six pack?

You can do push-ups every day if you're doing a modest amount of them. White defines that as 10 to 20 push-ups if your max is 25 reps, 2 sets of 10 to 20 if your max is between 25 and 50 reps, and 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 20 if your max is above 50 push-ups.

What is a crunch vs sit up?

With a crunch, you're moving through a small range of motion, curling just your head and shoulders off the floor. With a sit-up, that range of motion is much larger as you lift your entire torso off the ground until it's perpendicular to the floor and you're sitting up (hence, the name).

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