Where is Push-up Heaven?

[dragontattoo]

I'm in desperate need of good work-out plan that will lead me to Push-up Heaven!

When I started 3½ mos ago I'm not proud to say I only had 1½ decent push-ups in my skinny arms...

Now I can do 25 on my toes BUT I lack the explosive power to get up quickly! So in order to follow the pace I don't allways come to a complete 90 degree angle before having to push back up again.

What can I do to get that extra burst that'll send me flying...? My goal is 30 push-ups in July.

[meguro]

In a word, isometrics. Try holding various push-up positions (low, medium, high) until your arms quiver from the strain. Gradually increase the length of time in each position.

[MMX]

Also make sure you are contracting your abs and glutes and quads. The added stability makes it easier and builds your core.

[dragontattoo]

A big thanx to both of you - the isometrics really seems to be paying off along with keeping the core in mind as well!

Even though I'm the laughing stock for my kids every evening when watching tv before bedtime and mom is huffing and puffing from what looks to be the easiest thing in the world

[doug]

Jun 11, 2012 12:46:35 GMT -5 dragontattoo said:

Even though I'm the laughing stock for my kids every evening when watching tv before bedtime and mom is huffing and puffing from what looks to be the easiest thing in the world

Haha don't worry mate! I get the exact same thing at home...except it is when i use my german shepherd to stand in front of me while I do my slow front kicks/side kicks and hold for 5 seconds over the top of him!

[dragontattoo]

Doug - I see why that could get the same reation

The best comment I got however was: "But mom - how will you ever learn to do 30 push-ups if it's this hard for you just to stand still without going up and down??"

*lol* and that was the end of that days isometrics!

[dragontattoo]

Well, extreme circumstances call for extreme measures! And what is more extreme than the 100 PushUps App :-D

My initial test yesterday was 10 good push-ups and today I had to do 6-6-4-4-5+ with a 60 sec break. I did 6-6-4-4-7 (!!) and all in good convincing style.

Best thing about it though was getting my husband aboard as well! His initial test was also 10 but boy did he struggle and only barely made the last 5.

Can't wait for tomorrows 6-8-6-6-7...he is sweating already... He He...

Best motivational app ever - just remember to share it with your spouse :-D

OSSU!

[curlbroscience]

Great job! Hope to hear more regarding your progress. Like MMX said strengthen your core will also help your ability to perform correct pushups. Holding static positions (like meguro said) also helps as well and helps to unstick all positions through the ROM.

Adding 1 pushup to your total per day/week/month is progress. Just keep pushing forward and you will attain your goal.

Osu!

[dragontattoo]

OSU

Yes you are right - all progress counts. My issue is still lack of momentum when coming up so in class we usually do 10 x 5 but I can only go halfway of what I'm supposed to or I won't get up in time for the counting.

With this however I go all the way and I can surely feel the difference! My whole core is sore ;-) I take that as a good sign.

OSU

[shawvez]

On my last pt test I got 67 in 60 sec. How I keep up to speed is to do a full min/max rep. Then I'll do cycles of 20. 20 diamond pushups, 20 wide, 20 normal, 10 one handed per arm. I do that cycle twice a week coupled with a liberal amount of pull ups and chin ups. Of course it's a constant struggle to stay motivated to do this. But so far it's kept me gtg. Pushups are a very losable skill in my experience.