5 ways to do pushups without dropping your knees

Pushups may be the best upper body workout, but they are HARD. Seriously. I'm trying to gain my strength back after having a baby, so Alison Lackey with Real Results Fitness Houston taught me these steps to master my push-ups, and they work!

1. Wall Push-ups - Place your hands out in a wide push up position, and lower body toward the wall and push up.

2. Bench Push-ups - Next, place your hands on a bench, a little wider than your shoulders, walk legs out and press down into a more challenging push-up.

3. Extended Arm Planks - Now, it's time to hit the ground. First, put your feet up against a wall wider than hip-width, lock arms out. The wall gives you extra stability and support.

4. Plank Hand Taps - Next, stay in your plank with feet planted against the wall. Then, tap your right hand on your left hand and then your left hand on your right hand. Continue alternating for 30 seconds and work up to 60 seconds. This builds the core by helping you stabilize your hips as you lift each hand and works the upper body simultaneously.

5. Push Up Holds - Move away from the wall and stay in a plank position with hands shoulder-width apart and feet just past shoulder-width. Keep your tummy tight, back straight, and head neutral. Now, lower down a quarter of the way and hold the position for 15 seconds. Work up to 30 seconds and 60 seconds.

Finally, you're ready for regular push-ups! Start with five good push-ups with hands and feet wide. Then, increase your push-ups by increments of five.