Don’t push it doing push-ups

LITTLE ROCK — Whether you’re just starting out with push-ups against the wall or you have worked your way up to diamond push-ups, it’s important to keep a few simple tips in mind, trainer Ana Girth says.

Don’t do push-ups every day.

“When you do these exercises, the reason you get sore is because you’re making little tears in your muscles,” she says. “These little tears repair, and with repair, they become stronger. If you’re not giving them time to repair, they’re just torn.”

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you’re not sure about your form, ask a personal trainer or have a friend photograph you so that you can see what your push-ups look like, Girth says. “Most trainers will do a free session,” she says.

Start slowly.

“Start with what you can do with good form and build yourself up,” Girth says. That means 20 good wall push-ups are better than two poor basic pushups.

Don’t push yourself too hard.

“Be easy on yourself and don’t get discouraged,” Girth says. “I think a lot of girls, in particular, get discouraged because they don’t think they can do it or they have an expectation that’s way too high.

“Take things slow, and don’t overdo anything.”