I have to really really push down on my tremolo arm to use it any ideas why?

How many springs are you using? is your bridge screwed down to tight? what kind of guitar?

How many springs do you have? Something possibly binding? Mine's supereasy.

Luckily for you, there is no shortage of Fender gurus here, (I'm not one of them) I'm sure more wisdom will be imparted forthwith.

Forthwith? Did I just say that? I really don't talk like that - just type like that.

Gridlok

Compared to what? Do you have other guitars with trems that are much easier, or is this your first and you're just getting used to the way that trem feels?

Let me guess ... You recently got a used Strat and the trem is very tight? The person who had it before you likely had the trem locked down by adding springs and/or screwing in the claw screws (done for tuning stability). If that is the case and you want to restore use of the trem, then I recommend you get the guitar a pro set up with three springs. Also do a search on "float" in this Strat forum. It will illuminate to you how the trem is set up, as a balancing act between the springs and guitar strings. Hope this helps.

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Laughing out loud with fear and hope, I have a desperate plan ...

What gauge string are you using? I've always usee 11-50 or thicker and my attemps to get the 'one finger push' on the tremolo bar have all failed. I think the answer is to cut back on the springs, only three, and have the block float. I won't do this, like to keep the bridge saddled to the body and the block as well. I've broke three bars and had to replace a block once, everyone who plays my guitar tries to dive bomb it and I have to rush over and slap them before they break the bar off.

I think saddling the bridge to the body gives a little better tone/resonance.