[Help] Sternum Pain when doing 40+ pushups

Recently I have been experiencing a sharp sternum pain when doing push ups. Normally, I can do about 50 push ups in one set, but recently at push up number 42 the sternum pain becomes so strong that I am unable to go passed 42. My push up form is proper (arms being shoulders width apart, and proper speed lowering and lifting).

About me:
Age - 20
Weight - 115lbs
Height - 5'8"
I am not taking any supplements or doing any other exercise/workout besides push ups and sit ups.

Maybe my body is starting to grow in the chest area which is causing the problems? I am not sure what to do. I rested for 2 days before attempting to reach 50 push ups again, however I got stuck at 42 again. Should I just do like more sets of less numbers (like 40, 22, 20, 15 or something)? Any tips appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I really couldn't help you, but maybe you should gain some weight X|.

[QUOTE=Inertiatic;453957531]I really couldn't help you, but maybe you should gain some weight X|.[/QUOTE]
I've been trying to gain weight also. However, my weight shouldn't be a problem in causing this issue. Anyone else have any ideas?

[QUOTE=workingout21;453955031]Recently I have been experiencing a sharp sternum pain when doing push ups.

I rested for 2 days before attempting to reach 50 push ups again, however I got stuck at 42 again.[/QUOTE]

I would rest again, do some massage and then start low and build back up.

Since pain and your perception are subjective, it could just be a sick pump or you could be ripping muscle fibers. However, since you have been able to do it before, I'm a bit concerned.

When you start up again, do 15. If they feel great and you have no pain 1-2 days later, do 20. If those feel great and you have no pain 1-2 days later, do 25, etc.

You want to re-train the body while avoiding the pain threshold.

Sounds like you irritated a tendon there. Lay off for a couple of weeks, ice, fish oil, and hope it goes away. Gradual re-entry to exercise. If you continue to push it, it'll get worse.

A friend of mine is doing the 100 push ups a day. He told me he found a program on line that got him to where he is now. If memory suits me, I want to say it was something like [url]www.100pushups.com[/url], or I would google it.

He is also now doing 100 full sit ups a day, same story, something he got over the internet.

While some people laugh at this, a weight coach talked about a lady who worked with him teaching aerobics for 8 to 10 hours a day. She did 1500 sit up a day, and had a stomach everyone envied.

[QUOTE=philipj;454228481]A friend of mine is doing the 100 push ups a day. He told me he found a program on line that got him to where he is now. If memory suits me, I want to say it was something like [url]www.100pushups.com[/url], or I would google it.

He is also now doing 100 full sit ups a day, same story, something he got over the internet.

While some people laugh at this, a weight coach talked about a lady who worked with him teaching aerobics for 8 to 10 hours a day. She did 1500 sit up a day, and had a stomach everyone envied.[/QUOTE]

:confused: So, are you recommending that if 42 occasional push ups hurt the OP, he should upgrade to 100 per day? :rolleyes:

[QUOTE=jdmalm123;454219641]I would rest again, do some massage and then start low and build back up.

Since pain and your perception are subjective, it could just be a sick pump or you could be ripping muscle fibers. However, since you have been able to do it before, I'm a bit concerned.

When you start up again, do 15. If they feel great and you have no pain 1-2 days later, do 20. If those feel great and you have no pain 1-2 days later, do 25, etc.

You want to re-train the body while avoiding the pain threshold.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the advice. I should be more specific though. The pain only comes once i reach 42 and try to keep going. Once I stop doing the push ups, the pain is no longer there and I do not experience any lasting pain. It's just that sudden pressure after continuously doing push ups that I experience the pain/stress in that region. I don't think i'm ripping any muscle fibers since there is no lasting pain. I will rest however.

My biceps/triceps have really gotten stronger since I've been doing these push ups more regularly though. Even though I am skinny, I believe I am gaining a lot of muscle in my arms. I can also do ~80 sit ups in one set, and my abs are pretty toned now. My upper body looks good albeit being skinny.

[QUOTE=philipj;454228481]A friend of mine is doing the 100 push ups a day. He told me he found a program on line that got him to where he is now. If memory suits me, I want to say it was something like, or I would google it.

He is also now doing 100 full sit ups a day, same story, something he got over the internet.

While some people laugh at this, a weight coach talked about a lady who worked with him teaching aerobics for 8 to 10 hours a day. She did 1500 sit up a day, and had a stomach everyone envied.[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure if I'm trying to get to 100 push ups, however since I have been regularly doing push ups now, my arms are looking and feeling much stronger. My triceps especially are much bigger now. I can only do 80 sit ups in one set, but my abs are visible/toned right now without even flexing them. These two simple exercises really help in toning your muscles. Also, I don't have a lot of body fat (I'm skinny) so it works extremely well in toning.

[QUOTE=workingout21;454277311]Thanks for the advice. I should be more specific though. The pain only comes once i reach 42 and try to keep going. Once I stop doing the push ups, the pain is no longer there and I do not experience any lasting pain. [/QUOTE]

That's good, but I would still reset and start over. AVOID the pain threshold with the expectation that when you reach 42 again later, you should not have the same issue.

If you do, try some push-up variations to make sure you're not inducing some repetitive stress injury.

When I was your age and very light/lean, I was a push-up god...stay with them!

stop at 41. /problem

If you want to gain weight, why are you doing endurance exercises?