One thing that I've tried for step-ups that works better is making sure my lifting foot is further forward; if I'm leaning forward, I'm less likely to push for some reason. I'll try the toe lifting thing though, and see if that helps.

Our tables are space efficient things with huge flaps that go to the ground (which cannot hold my weight when up) and a center that is a foot wide and used to store the folding chairs. So no useful way to hang off an edge, alas. I think all other edges are attached to walls and are counter width, so no room to stretch out under them. Maybe if I reversed my grip and stuck my head under instead of my feet?

Pullovers are definitely less than ideal -- I spent half my time thinking that the weight was too light and the other half thinking that I'd wrench my arm out of the shoulder socket if I brought them down all the way.