Why Pushing Power Is Key to Staying Independent
The Most Overlooked Strength in Everyday Life: Why Pushing Matters More Than You Think
Think about your day for a second … You push a door open. You press yourself up from the couch. You slide a heavy bin back into the pantry. You support your body when getting off the floor.
All of those simple actions have one thing in common: they require pushing strength.
And yet—when we talk about “getting stronger,” most people picture lifting weights or improving balance. Pushing? It’s often ignored... until it becomes a challenge.
Let’s fix that.
Why Pushing Deserves More Attention—Especially As We Age
Pushing isn’t just for lifting dumbbells or using a weight machine at the gym. It’s a fundamental movement that supports independence, safety, and confidence—three things our clients value deeply.
If you’ve ever felt unsure getting up from the floor...
If your shoulders or arms fatigue quickly...
Or if you're worried about falling and not being able to catch yourself...
Strengthening your pushing muscles (chest, triceps, shoulders) can make a huge difference.
And the good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or perfect form to start building that strength—just simple, safe moves that meet you where you are.
Try These 3 Gentle But Effective Pushing Exercises
These movements can be done at home, with a wall, a countertop, or even seated. They’re safe for beginners and adaptable if you’re managing joint pain, Parkinson’s, or balance challenges.
💪 1. Wall Push-Ups
Start by standing arm’s length from a wall.
Place your hands shoulder-width apart.
Bend your elbows and lean toward the wall, then press back.
✅ Focus: Strengthens chest, arms, and shoulders.
💪 2. Seated Push-Ups
Sit on a sturdy chair with your hands gripping the seat beside your hips.
Push into your hands to lift your bottom slightly off the seat, then lower gently.
✅ Focus: Activates triceps, shoulders, and core.
💪 3. Countertop Push-Ups
Stand with hands on the edge of your kitchen counter.
Step back slightly and bend elbows as if you’re lowering your chest toward the counter, then press back up.
✅ Focus: Builds stability and upper body control.
🎥 Want to see how these look in action?
Watch the video demo here where I walk you through each one, show modifications, and explain how to keep it safe.
Let’s Make This Practical
Here’s what we tell our clients at ProActive Therapy and Wellness: You don’t need to do 100 push-ups a day. You just need to build functional strength that supports the way you live.
✔️ Getting up from a soft couch? Easier.
✔️ Gardening on your knees? More doable.
✔️ Pushing a heavy door open? No problem.
✔️ Catching yourself if you stumble? Safer.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress that matters.
One Last Thing...
If pushing feels difficult right now, that doesn’t mean you’re too far gone. It means your body is ready for support. These simple exercises are a great place to start—and Michele’s video will help guide you through them step by step. And if you want personalized help, we’re just around the corner.
Because the stronger you feel...
…the more freedom you have to live life your way.
Up Next: The Power of Pulling
If pushing helps you get up and out, pulling helps you stay strong and stable.
From opening doors to steadying yourself during a fall—pulling strength is another underrated essential for daily life.
Stay tuned for the next blog in our movement series, where we’ll cover:
✅ Why pulling matters more than you realize
✅ 3 simple exercises to safely build back strength
✅ A short demo video to follow along at home
💡 Hint: If you’ve got trouble with posture or carrying groceries, you’ll want to read this one.