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Push-ups anyone?

post #1 of 50
1/31/08 at 8:27pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, one of my new year's resolutions was to sample more and buy full bottle less... but the second one was to get back into better shape! So, I've started doing push-ups every night, and it seemed like a good idea to see if anyone else was doing the same! So, I will mark how many push-ups each night, and tally each time... and you can join in too!

Tonight = 30

Total = 30 as of January 31, 2008
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post #2 of 50
1/31/08 at 9:40pm
Nice. If you want to really maximize your efforts with push ups, I really recommend the "Perfect Push Up." It's one of the few (maybe only?) infomercial type gadget I've ever bought, but it really does work.

http://www.healthstylesexercise.com/...ect-Pushup.jpg

Yup, the base rotates, which you control while going down and back up and it makes pushups (difficult) into pushups (crazy!). Don't pay the $40 or whatever they are asking for the high end model. There is a cheaper version you can find at Wal-Mart and probably other stores for $20. I can do about 40 or more normal pushups at one time, and only about 20 on the perfect pushup.

I don't know how many I've done... probably a thousand or more over the last year. Sadly, you would never know by just looking at me. Of course, if you knew how I looked 2 years ago, you'd be able to tell .
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post #3 of 50
1/31/08 at 10:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SculptureOfSoul View Post

Nice. If you want to really maximize your efforts with push ups, I really recommend the "Perfect Push Up." It's one of the few (maybe only?) infomercial type gadget I've ever bought, but it really does work.

http://www.healthstylesexercise.com/...ect-Pushup.jpg

Yup, the base rotates, which you control while going down and back up and it makes pushups (difficult) into pushups (crazy!). Don't pay the $40 or whatever they are asking for the high end model. There is a cheaper version you can find at Wal-Mart and probably other stores for $20. I can do about 40 or more normal pushups at one time, and only about 20 on the perfect pushup.

I don't know how many I've done... probably a thousand or more over the last year. Sadly, you would never know by just looking at me. Of course, if you knew how I looked 2 years ago, you'd be able to tell .

Thanks for the info.

Does this make push-ups more comfortable to do, as supposed to having your hands on the bare floor?
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post #4 of 50
1/31/08 at 10:43pm
Yeah, it really does. You keep your wrists at a much more natural angle so there is far less pressure put on them. The ability to rotate your arms while doing the pushup uses a lot of small stability muscles, and also allows you to really target the - I don't know it's actual name, but the muscle that runs from the shoulder to the pectoral area - when doing wide stance pushups.

I'm not big on workout machines as I find they often over target a specific muscle while not working out supporting muscles. This device, however, does just the opposite.
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post #5 of 50
2/1/08 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by knightowl View Post

Thanks for the info.

Does this make push-ups more comfortable to do, as supposed to having your hands on the bare floor?

Actually, I have them too - and use them - but not always. It does seem to help the wrists, but more pressure is put on the palm of your hands, and as such, you can have some increased pain there. I switch between classical and these every other day.

C'mon now... I'm waiting for someone to increase the total... you won't let me do it all alone will ya? I'll increase the tally tonight for sure!
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post #6 of 50
2/1/08 at 9:28am
True, there is a bit more pressure on the palm. I guess I don't notice this so much because I'm almost always wearing weight lifting gloves when I use them.

I just did 45 pushups in three sets of 15 (wide, normal, narrow) on the perfect pushup. So, the challenge is on. Inspire me to do some more, as I'm feeling lazy now.
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post #7 of 50
2/1/08 at 9:57am
OK, I hate to admit this, but Jan.1st. I could do 3 push ups. Yep. Just 3. Even though my start was remedial, as of today I'm doing 30 per day! I do 3 sets of 10 within a 30 minute exercise session. I feel good, and encourage others to try doing push ups as a personal challenge...you'll feel great as you progress. The best thing about it is I've never heard of anyone doing less! You can only improve! Give it a shot!
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post #8 of 50
2/1/08 at 10:06am
Since I've started back teaching martial arts regularly and recent divorce I've lost 20 lbs I think it was the divorce
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post #9 of 50
2/1/08 at 11:10am
Pushups hit your triceps and chest muscles primarily. You may want to try a bunch of bodyweigth exercises to get an overall body workout!

(Pushups, pull ups (baby ones), dips, lunges/squats and crunches)
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post #10 of 50
2/1/08 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by silverbullet View Post

I've lost 20 lbs I think it was the divorce

Only 20? I dropped 250lbs. of dead weight instantly.

Sorry, off-topic.

Your progess from 3 to 30 in a month is inspiring, ubuandibeme! I may have to push myself with a month-long challenge and see what happens.
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post #11 of 50
2/1/08 at 11:44am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tang View Post

Only 20? I dropped 250lbs. of dead weight instantly.


.hehe
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post #12 of 50
2/1/08 at 11:46am
[QUOTE=tang;1149388]Only 20? I dropped 250lbs. of dead weight instantly.

Too funny, I love it!!!!!
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post #13 of 50
2/1/08 at 4:51pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bromo33333 View Post

Pushups hit your triceps and chest muscles primarily. You may want to try a bunch of bodyweigth exercises to get an overall body workout!

(Pushups, pull ups (baby ones), dips, lunges/squats and crunches)

and after that maybe contemplate going to the gym
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post #14 of 50
2/1/08 at 10:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

Yes, one of my new year's resolutions was to sample more and buy full bottle less... but the second one was to get back into better shape! So, I've started doing push-ups every night, and it seemed like a good idea to see if anyone else was doing the same! So, I will mark how many push-ups each night, and tally each time... and you can join in too!

Tonight = 30

Total = 30 as of January 31, 2008

Another 30 tonight...

So I'm at 60 total!
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post #15 of 50
2/2/08 at 12:03am
I saw that gadget advertised on TV at the gym tonight and I thinkit looks like a really good way to injure your wrist pretty badly

don't be like gays from the late 70s who had these "new york tits" and nothing anywhere else on em. you have to join a gym and do the whole body!
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post #16 of 50
2/2/08 at 4:28am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chasefairfax View Post

I saw that gadget advertised on TV at the gym tonight and I thinkit looks like a really good way to injure your wrist pretty badly

don't be like gays from the late 70s who had these "new york tits" and nothing anywhere else on em. you have to join a gym and do the whole body!

There is an idiot born every minute (fat ass probably) who will buy that sh!t thinking it will work.
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post #17 of 50
2/2/08 at 9:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

Another 30 tonight...

So I'm at 60 total!

45 tonight!

Total 105
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post #18 of 50
2/3/08 at 9:19am
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Rarely do you see a top-notch Grandmaster make a move that overlooks a mate in one! Maybe Bu needs to start your 'pushup' routine.. note Bu Xiangzhi's unhappy look in the photo (ELO rated 2691)

http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4427
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post #19 of 50
2/3/08 at 9:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tang View Post

Only 20? I dropped 250lbs. of dead weight instantly.

ROFLMAO! :bounce:
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post #20 of 50
2/4/08 at 10:10pm
If you're getting bored with regular pushups try elevating you feet. If you enjoy these keep the feet going higher. Now you can try pushups between two chairs with your feet level and going as deeply between the two chairs as your arms allow. These are gonna hurt at first.

I always did military presses with a barbell and about 100 to 150 lbs in the morning. They don't look like much but they are really great for full body power. More reps than weight.

And a rowing machine for aerobic workouts. It's the easiest aerobic workout barring swimming to not screw up you leg joints. Bicycling outdoors is great exercise and takes you to new places.

All of these things also strengthen the mind and keep the blues away.

I don't do these anymore since I broke a few vertebrae. I wish I could though.
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post #21 of 50
2/5/08 at 5:22am
Tee hee....saw the thread head and thought it was about the WonderBra......
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post #22 of 50
2/5/08 at 5:34am
Nice challenge. I base my exercise regime around the principles. of Crossfit. There's a mixture of callisthenics, olympic and power lifting, gymnastics (not too hot on that stuff, personally) and the odd bit of running. It's a good all round programme - a similar regime was used to get the 300 actors super-buff.
If you check out the FAQ you'll find lots of info on bodyweight exercises.
You can also try www.simplefit.org which is entirely bodyweight based so (unless you live in a flat the size of a postage stamp, like I do) you can do everything at home.
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post #23 of 50
2/5/08 at 9:07am
Try this w/ partner: 10 push-ups (wait for them), 9 push-ups (wait for them), etc.

Go to 1 push-up, then back up to ten. The only breaks you get is when the other person is doing their set. It is meant to go one right after the other so when you hit 10, they should be starting their set of 10. It is hard but it is a good workout. If you don't have another person then count off the reps they would be doing so you can do it alone.
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post #24 of 50
2/5/08 at 9:59am
In addition to previous suggestions:

Be consistent, every 24 hours to train those muscles (memory) and sufficient recuperation time.

Start out with 3 sets of 5 -10 reps (whatever you can do)

Gradually increase the reps to hitting the wall, failure (burn), wait 30 secs then resume.

Reset your rep goal (push the envelope), 5 – 10 -15 – 20 and so forth.

Try variations of the technique, knuckle (also works wrist and forearm muscles). Hand position where fingers are pointing outward then inward in relation to the body position. I know some who place a 10 – 20 pound weight on their back as well.

I also use cement trowels to increase the depth of the pushup.

This is all my opinion only, try it.
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post #25 of 50
2/5/08 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

45 tonight!

Total 105

Another 45 yesterday

Total 150!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Taolady View Post

Tee hee....saw the thread head and thought it was about the WonderBra......

My dear Taolady... you've submitted subliminal messages into my brain... stop... stop!! I need to do more push-ups now!
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post #26 of 50
2/5/08 at 10:30am
[quote=Schachman;1152226]Another 45 yesterday

Total 150!


There you go I'm rooting for you
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post #27 of 50
2/6/08 at 4:58pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

Another 45 yesterday

Total 150!

Yesterday I did 3 sets of 20! That's 60

And so

210 Total!
More coming tonight!
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post #28 of 50
2/6/08 at 5:13pm
Oh dude, I get it now... a momentum train! I'm totally in!

For the past few years, I've been doing the number of my age, a few times a week, aside from any other workout routines. 24, 25, 26, and now 27.

I'll try and do at least one set a day. Even that should yield some results. I get plenty of leg exercise with ballet class, but neglect the upper body more often than I should. I don't want to get too top-heavy (I'm nowhere NEAR close!) but I could stand some pushups!
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post #29 of 50
2/6/08 at 9:36pm
I'm going to add running into the mix, as I really need to get running again. I put in about 250 miles over the course of 6 months last year. That was my first foray into running. I haven't run much at all since November though.

If I'm going to run a half marathon this year I've got to start training. My goal for tomorrow. 3 miles at about a 15 degree incline on the treadmill.

I did a fair bit of lifting yesterday, and about 40 pushups too. Neglected the legs though so they'd be fresh for today.
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post #30 of 50
2/7/08 at 10:45am
I started weight training 3 years ago, and it is the best thing I've ever done to myself. The sense of achievement is simply unequaled.
I don't do push ups though, I do chest exercises with a bar and weights. When I started weight training I could not even lift the empty bar (25 kilograms), not even for a single repetition. Now I do sets of 8 reps with 75 kilograms and improving. When I started I was 51 kilograms (180 cm) and I've gained more than 10 kilograms of muscle till now. And I've set a far goal to for this winter to add on at least 5 more kilograms.

Exercising has improved my health very much. I rarely get the headaches I used to get before, I never catch a cold although I'm very careless on cold days, my endurance is much better and I can go through a whole day of stressful work without getting as tired as before. My posture is much better now, and clothes fit well. Exercise improved my overall body stability and the way I walk. I never trip or lose balance, mainly due to back, abs and leg exercise.

I also started running a month ago, and with the great improvements I've noticed, I quickly became a running addict. And am now working on increasing my time and distance every time I'm out there. Running makes me feel much more energetic and makes my lungs much "wider." Just after my second run I started being able to take much deeper breaths than before.

I love exercise. It just gives you a great feeling about yourself.
Keep it up with the push ups!
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post #31 of 50
2/7/08 at 3:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taolady View Post

Tee hee....saw the thread head and thought it was about the WonderBra......

giggle
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post #32 of 50
2/8/08 at 9:31am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

Yesterday I did 3 sets of 20! That's 60

And so

210 Total!
More coming tonight!

I had to split it up a little last night - a friend just rang the door when I started, so only 20. But today I managed another 30 (straight!!) before going to work!

So 50...
and total is 260!
--------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

I had to split it up a little last night - a friend just rang the door when I started, so only 20. But today I managed another 30 (straight!!) before going to work!

So 50...
and total is 260!

55 this morning, and so total is
315

It seems I have a wall near 60 right now... need to break through!
--------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

I had to split it up a little last night - a friend just rang the door when I started, so only 20. But today I managed another 30 (straight!!) before going to work!

So 50...
and total is 260!
--------------------------------------


55 this morning, and so total is
315

It seems I have a wall near 60 right now... need to break through!

Could only manage 35 this morning... probably need to take one day's rest! I guess I'm getting old too... elbow started aching!
Total: 350
--------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

I had to split it up a little last night - a friend just rang the door when I started, so only 20. But today I managed another 30 (straight!!) before going to work!

So 50...
and total is 260!
--------------------------------------


55 this morning, and so total is
315

It seems I have a wall near 60 right now... need to break through!
--------------------------------------


Could only manage 35 this morning... probably need to take one day's rest! I guess I'm getting old too... elbow started aching!
Total: 350

50 tonight and so it's a total of
400 now!
--------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

I had to split it up a little last night - a friend just rang the door when I started, so only 20. But today I managed another 30 (straight!!) before going to work!

So 50...
and total is 260!
--------------------------------------


55 this morning, and so total is
315

It seems I have a wall near 60 right now... need to break through!
--------------------------------------


Could only manage 35 this morning... probably need to take one day's rest! I guess I'm getting old too... elbow started aching!
Total: 350
--------------------------------------


50 tonight and so it's a total of
400 now!

Just a meager 30 tonight... I thought a day off would help, but my elbow continued to pain me.
Total = 430
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post #33 of 50
2/15/08 at 11:39am
I'm in. Doubt I can manage five at the moment, but I'm easing back into the realm of the living.

A bad flu followed by pneumonia took me from doing strong 10Ks and feeling buff to collapsing outside my apartment after taking out the trash and climbing 2 measly flights of stairs. I'm itching to run again, but 3 minutes of Pilates mat work has me whipped.
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post #34 of 50
2/15/08 at 10:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

I had to split it up a little last night - a friend just rang the door when I started, so only 20. But today I managed another 30 (straight!!) before going to work!

So 50...
and total is 260!
--------------------------------------


55 this morning, and so total is
315

It seems I have a wall near 60 right now... need to break through!
--------------------------------------


Could only manage 35 this morning... probably need to take one day's rest! I guess I'm getting old too... elbow started aching!
Total: 350
--------------------------------------


50 tonight and so it's a total of
400 now!
--------------------------------------


Just a meager 30 tonight... I thought a day off would help, but my elbow continued to pain me.
Total = 430

I'm glad someone else joined in because otherwise that posting was getting rather long!

Tonight... 60 again... I found my strength once more!
Total = 490
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post #35 of 50
2/15/08 at 11:38pm
Excellent work. :wave:
Why don't you try to do sets? Do you do 60 straight reps? How about sets of 60, 40, 30, 20 maybe? You seem to have the determination and will to continue, so I think you should speak with a professional trainer on how to maximize the benefit of your exercise.
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post #36 of 50
2/16/08 at 6:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mostapha View Post

Excellent work. :wave:
Why don't you try to do sets? Do you do 60 straight reps? How about sets of 60, 40, 30, 20 maybe? You seem to have the determination and will to continue, so I think you should speak with a professional trainer on how to maximize the benefit of your exercise.

Hi Mostapha,

Certainly I do sets because I do them slow and steady (these are not fast, fake push-ups). The 60 I did last night took about 20 minutes since I stretch between each set. Also, even though I say I want to get back into shape, I'm still in not that bad shape! I'll show a photo sometime!
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post #37 of 50
2/16/08 at 8:46am
That's great
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post #38 of 50
2/18/08 at 9:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schachman View Post

I'm glad someone else joined in because otherwise that posting was getting rather long!

Tonight... 60 again... I found my strength once more!
Total = 490

+62

Total:
552

I have to get to 1000!
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post #39 of 50
4/13/08 at 12:18pm
C'mon Schachman... you can do it..keep up with me
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post #40 of 50
4/13/08 at 12:48pm
LMAO! Too funny. I don't do push ups at the moment since I have access to a gym.
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post #41 of 50
4/13/08 at 6:25pm
Pushups can be an excellent way to improve your strength. If you are looking for muscular endurance then the high-rep regimen is the way to go.

However, if you are looking to build your explosion power try putting a book under one hand to elevate it and do a managable # of reps ( I like 10) and then switch to the other hand.

Once you can manage that easily, get a thicker book to raise the handicapped hand higher and keep increasing the stress on the hand that's under the heavy load and over time you will work your way up into one-handed pushups.
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post #42 of 50
4/13/08 at 6:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taolady View Post

Tee hee....saw the thread head and thought it was about the WonderBra......

I did also
What a hoot, I cannot believe that I thought that. Shows how conditioned we are by certain terms. I thought this was really going to be a thread on the best push-up bra, which in itself would have been kind of funny.
Carry on everyone...:bounce:
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post #43 of 50
4/14/08 at 1:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brielle87 View Post

I did also
What a hoot, I cannot believe that I thought that. Shows how conditioned we are by certain terms. I thought this was really going to be a thread on the best push-up bra, which in itself would have been kind of funny.
Carry on everyone...:bounce:

Ah yes, La Perla
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post #44 of 50
4/14/08 at 4:48pm
When I wasin High School I read comic books. In one Batman storyline, Azrael, a vigilante Superhero trained to be the new Batman by doing 1,000 push ups every day. So I tried to do 1,000 push ups everyday as well. At one point I got up to 800 per day or so but then quit and just worked out at the gym like normal people not comic book vigilantes. Now I just do 100 b4 bed and count out fragrances.

Cheers,
Ali
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post #45 of 50
4/16/08 at 4:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by silverbullet View Post

C'mon Schachman... you can do it..keep up with me

That is just great!! Wonderful ani-gif! I think I'm going to have to use it somehow!

By the way, I'm still going along, though not at the same pace as before since I started getting aches in my elbow joints!
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post #46 of 50
4/26/08 at 7:27am
A wonderful article and video in the NY Times online site about pushups.

According to the NYTimes article An Enduring Measure of Fitness: The Simple Push-Up; “The push-up is the ultimate barometer of fitness. It tests the whole body, engaging muscle groups in the arms, chest, abdomen, hips and legs. It requires the body to be taut like a plank with toes and palms on the floor. The act of lifting and lowering one’s entire weight is taxing even for the very fit.”
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post #47 of 50
4/26/08 at 9:21am
Nice info., thanks Mike!
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post #48 of 50
4/26/08 at 10:14am
I don't know how I missed this thread. I have a sort of plan that I try and stick to, which I do every other month. It's just a workout at home, the closest gym is a 50-mile round trip and the prices are just plain stupid. I will be hitting the gym at UofL when I go back though.

Anyway, I do lying tricep extensions, raised-leg crunches (using a bench), and wide-stance pushups. I start small and work my way larger, every day I do five more of one of the exercises. I start at 50, 50, and 25 over two reps, and work my way to 100, 100, and 75 over three to four reps. This is over the course of one month, with Tuesdays off, so by the end of the month you end up doing 1,980 lying tricep extensions, 2,020 raised-leg crunches, and 1,390 wide-stance pushups. I do it every other month to fight off the flab I accumulate over the year. May's going to be one of my workout months, if someone wants to do this with me I use an Excel Spreadsheet that I print and tick off the reps when I'm done with them.
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post #49 of 50
4/26/08 at 10:27am
Thread Starter 
I was doing the same (with a spreadsheet) and I guess I can start another! It's always better to have someone pushing you a little to do what you need to do!

Starting again tonight! I took a little break since my elbows were starting to hurt.
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post #50 of 50
4/26/08 at 11:46am
Hrmmmmmm I had a push-up regimen consisting of doing 'em till my arms died, resting a minute, and repeating that twice... and doing that every other day. And then switching positions from narrow to standard, standard to wide, or wide to narrow, every other week. Did me some good but I didn't really keep at it. I guess this thread will make me start again! :P
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