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Post by davew on Aug 13, 2014 4:49:28 GMT
Since this is health and fitness, I thought I would add a little phone app I found. It is called 100 pushups, and it is a timing and counting app for pushups.
It is supposed to take you from as many as you can now do to 100 in a six week program. It really only reminds you to do them each alternate day, and gives you 5 sets in each session to do. But it increases the number of pushups according to how you are doing. I got flue at the end of week 2, so once I got over that I restarted week 2. Now in the middle of week 3 (my 4th week) and I did a total of 50 today, spread over 5 sets with 90 secs between sets. I can do 12 consecutive pushups - at the start I could barely do 2! As embarrassing as that is.....
I think I will probably repeat this week as I am still struggling, but I can feel my strength building and I am also holding straighter - so better core strength too.
So I would think probably closer to 9 weeks than 6 for me, but I am happy with that.
It is hard work, but it seems to be working.
I think it is a good little reminder program.
At least it has me doing something, and that has to be good. (Free app too - even better!)
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Post by feleina on Aug 13, 2014 20:12:57 GMT
Is there an App that would teach me how to do just ONE pushup? Seriously, I can not do even one. Arms are too weak.
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Post by davew on Aug 13, 2014 21:53:23 GMT
Actually, that is one thing the app lacks - I had to look up on youtube for how to do a proper pushup. Funny thing is, in following the example I found made it a fraction easier. When I started I could not hold my body straight, and I had to drop right to the floor after each one. Yesterday I did 50 in the session, with 12 being the longest set, and I managed them consecutively.
That is in the middle of week 4, having repeated week 2.
It won't suit everyone, but it is working for me.
I should add that I have no connection in any way to this app or the developer.
I should also add that while I am stronger and I feel better, it has made no apparent change to my physique - I still look fat....... :lol:
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Post by feleina on Aug 14, 2014 0:32:38 GMT
Well being a woman I lack the upper body strength that guys take for granted. Still, I've seen women do pushups so it's possible. Maybe if I start with arm wrestling.....
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Post by James Ach on Aug 14, 2014 14:25:21 GMT
Push ups are OK, but bad for your wrists and metacarpals. If you can get some cheap handles and put extra padding on the handle that works a lot better. Plus, with the angle of the handles you get a little bit more of a stretch on the upper pecs.
Another alternative is to do them on your knuckles (with gloves) and use your thumb to the side for balance (kind of the fist shape for "attention" and marching).
Getting a hand gripper helps to because have a forearm development puts less pressure on your wrists.
Doing pushups is great, but that's only one area of muscle so don't get frustrated if you're not losing weight from push ups LOL. Losing weight is going to come from your diet, and heavy-breathing type exercise (either aerobic or preferably anaerobic depending on if you are doing it for endurance or size. If just building muscle, than less cardio because more cardio borrows muscle tissue for fuel). Burpees are one that we used a lot. If you are not used to them, they WILL burn you out FAST. I would start with 20 and work your way up. But this is a good beginners cardio builder.
And to add, the farther apart your arms are, the more it will work on your chest. The closer they are, the more your triceps (back of arms). Switch it up once in a while though (Muscle Shock) because your body will get used to the same routine and stunt your growth. Change how you do them, or change the angle. When you get to 100, use some books under your feet. (I have my wife sit on my back, but I use a bench press so push ups is something I rarely do).
Wow. Didn't know I could spent this much time on ranting about push ups LOL and I have so much more to write on it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 20:14:51 GMT
Well being a woman I lack the upper body strength that guys take for granted. Still, I've seen women do pushups so it's possible. Maybe if I start with arm wrestling..... Hello Felina, There is an entire series of pushups that one may do before attempting the traditional "full pushup." They start with the "wall pushup." There are many good books and videos out there that do a good job at easing one into calisthenics. Here are a few examples: " Convict Conditioning" " Pushing the Limits" Focusing on the classic exercises will be quite beneficial and they are, for the most part, free (after the cost of the jump rope(s)). Jumping Jacks Rope Jumping Pushups Pullups Squats As with any fitness material, discretion is needed when viewing, due to the attire that many fitness instructors and participants wear; it can often be quite immodest. I never allow myself to be seen without a shirt or in shorts or in tight fitting clothing; ever. However, that topic is best left for another thread.
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