I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has to use her body weight to pump up tires. My hubby and my other male riding buddies think it's hilarious to see me jumping down on the pump to get my tires to the right psi.

One thing I've found (with a Specialized floor pump and presta valves) is that if the pump handle seems "springy" and very difficult to push down, then I don't have it seated properly. Release and reapply until it doesn't feel springy.