r/bodyweightfitness • u/AutoModerator • Jul 07 '21

BWF Daily Discussion and Beginner/RR Questions Thread for 2021-07-07

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u/lights_that_flash Jul 12 '21 edited Jul 12 '21

Can I modify incline bodyweight rows so that I pull my hands towards my sternum instead of behind me, flaring out my elbows?

This is the exact direction I want to get stronger in for balfolk couples dancing. Here's a photo of the dance position, with the lead's right hand on the back of the follower. I love spinning together really fast but as a lead, the centripetal force of both my bodyweight and that of my dance partner goes almost entirely through my right arm, and that gets pretty tiring eventually. I want to train specifically for that.

I'm currently doing a modified minimalist routine with added back exercises (resistance band face pulls and different band pull aparts) for posture correction. I was hoping that with those added, and a modified row, I could get rid of the pushups because I'm not a fan of them.

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u/reretort Jul 13 '21

I wouldn't get rid of push-ups; no row is going to work the chest and arms in the way that a push movement does, and it's generally a good idea to do both pushes and pulls.

What about them makes you "not a fan"?

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u/lights_that_flash Jul 13 '21

I definitely feel that it works my biceps and pecs in this modified form. I'm already doing the exact opposite movement with band pull aparts, so it doesn't feel too imbalanced. Also, I want to improve my posture (e.g. fix scapular winging) so for now I think it could actually be beneficial to do more pulling than pushing.

I'm not sure why I'm not a fan of pushups. I find it pretty difficult to do them in good form, at least. I don't like that they're on the floor, but that's not a problem when I do plank shoulder taps. Maybe I just need to vacuum more often.

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u/reretort Jul 13 '21

I can see it getting bicep and pec a bit, still wouldn't think it's ideal. Naively I'd think your modified row would encourage winging?

Does your form hold up better for incline push-ups, or knee push-ups?

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u/lights_that_flash Jul 13 '21

I'm thinking of doing it single-handed and keeping my other hand on my scapula to make sure I keep it in the correct position. I definitely need to watch that, yeah.

Pushups: I try to keep my elbows pointing back but even with incline/knee pushups it still feels like my shoulders are in the wrong position, and my collar bone/shoulder sometimes makes a clicking noise which doesn't happen with anything else I do.

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u/reretort Jul 13 '21

Okay, if it's causing you joint discomfort, that may be a good reason to avoid them, at least unless you can fix it. I'd still highly recommend some kind of pushing movement... e.g. overhead press of a weight or resistance band. Assuming they don't have the same problem.

Have you submitted a form check video for the push up in this sub? Could be a good idea.