Improving in push-ups.

rrjensen

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2013
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14
Hello everyone. I was awarded a 4 year scholarship a few months and am currently trying to get a waiver. However, I'm beginning to worry that the waiver won't even matter!

I have never had a lot of upper body strength or been very good at push-ups. This has been compounded with my attempts to lose weight during cross country seasons, in order to be as light, lean and fast as possible. However I made the poor decision of not lifting weights during these times and I subsequently lost a lot of muscle and strength.

I was in a weight lifting class both semesters this past year and I've been lifting at my school this summer. I also have been doing a push-up workout I found online, that prescribes the program three days a week. I also try do at least a few push-ups a day.

I haven't really been seeing any improvements, however, and I'm struggling to do over 30 push-ups in 2 minutes. Does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do differently or what has worked in the past? I really appreciate any and all help. Thanks!
 
start working with free weights! or get a gym membership. . . I know you're trying to look good on paper, but being physically well rounded won't hurt. doing just pushups will have minimal results, try finding an upper body work out regimen. I suggest going to bodybuilding.com . It's a great site and it really will show you how to gain upper body strength




(and as a little hint, hit the curls as much as possible... Curls=Girls:thumb::wink:)
 
Contrary to what the previous poster said, doing pushups is exactly what makes you better at doing pushups.

Working out can never hurt, and getting a gym membership and a weightlifting routine started will help you tremendously in terms of building upper body strength.

However, repetition and muscle memory are most of what makes people good at doing lots of pushups. I could bench 300 pounds and still not max my pushups a few years ago because I trained for strength, not repetitions/endurance.


If you have a smartphone, there is a free app called "100 pushups" which is awesome for building pushups. I suggest getting it and following the training program. It tests your initial limit, then assigns a number of pushups to do every single day, and retests you every couple weeks. I was able to bring my pushups from mid 50s to maxing the pt test because I used the app and did pushups every day.
 
Increasing your push-ups has nothing to do with lifting free weights. Push-ups, sit-ups, and the 2-mile run are only made better by literally doing them. If anything, you need to practice various calisthenics. I have known 120 lb guys who can max out all three, as well as do 20 pull-ups with ease. At the same time I see "pump it up" Arnold Schwarzenegger look-a-likes much more often who cannot.
 
The above posters are correct. The best way to improve your pushups is to do pushups. They're mostly muscle memory and technique, so download a pushup app and knock them out every day. It'll tell you to rest between days but you really don't need to. You won't be working hard enough to warrant a rest day in between workout days. Really focus on form. None of your pushups will count if you don't have good form!

That being said, I would still highly recommend getting a gym membership and getting on a workout program. General strength is invaluable, and since you seem to be a great runner you probably don't have to worry too much about losing a ton of speed. Lift big, eat big, and put on some muscle! :smile:
 
rrjensen,

How many Push Up's did you do on your PFT for the Scholarship Application.

I'll echo what others have said, do a lot of PU's, keep doing them. Work out at the gym and work on your core strength as well.

I'm a little surprised that your having difficulty with the PU's as a cross country runner. The cadets with the highest APFT at my son's school are all ex CC runners. If you have a strong core from running you should be able to increase your PU count pretty quick.

Whatever you do, start working at it hard starting now. Remember, your scholarship will not be activated until you pass the APFT, if you can't pass it by the end of the first semester you will most likely lose your scholarship.
 
Ya man, I agree with VT, jker and Novus. All about doing them and getting muscle memory.

If you can't afford a gym no worries, you really don't need one. You don't have to lift or do weights if you don't want to.

I assume you are a guy. Not sure what branch. Here are some tips and I guarantee you will go from 0 to 30 (1 min) in 3-5 months:

Go to Kitchen counter of your house - do as many as you can in a minute. (30-40 is good). Keep it up every day, twice a day, or if needing rest - every other day. With your 'push-up' routine get on the floor and 'test' how many you can do.

When ready go to a next lower elevation....

try it on the kitchen table.....
next up another lower surface (end table near the couch)
...desk,
..chair,
..chest,
...steps

Each stage you go lower 'test' yourself at the floor. Additionally, return to the higher elevations a few times a week too and knock them out.

You will get there. Takes time and effort. Good luck.


Increasing your push-ups has nothing to do with lifting free weights. Push-ups, sit-ups, and the 2-mile run are only made better by literally doing them. If anything, you need to practice various calisthenics. I have known 120 lb guys who can max out all three, as well as do 20 pull-ups with ease. At the same time I see "pump it up" Arnold Schwarzenegger look-a-likes much more often who cannot.


The above posters are correct. The best way to improve your pushups is to do pushups. They're mostly muscle memory and technique, so download a pushup app and knock them out every day. It'll tell you to rest between days but you really don't need to. You won't be working hard enough to warrant a rest day in between workout days. Really focus on form. None of your pushups will count if you don't have good form!
 
rrjensen,

How many Push Up's did you do on your PFT for the Scholarship Application.

I'll echo what others have said, do a lot of PU's, keep doing them. Work out at the gym and work on your core strength as well.

I'm a little surprised that your having difficulty with the PU's as a cross country runner. The cadets with the highest APFT at my son's school are all ex CC runners. If you have a strong core from running you should be able to increase your PU count pretty quick.

Whatever you do, start working at it hard starting now. Remember, your scholarship will not be activated until you pass the APFT, if you can't pass it by the end of the first semester you will most likely lose your scholarship.


I believe the number was 37, but I'm not positive. I told the coach I was with to be strict on my form and I did my best to hit 90 degrees but I felt worried afterwards that not all were done with great form. I even relayed my thoughts to my PMS when I had my interview that I felt it may not have been a great indication of my push-up prowess. I've since been working on getting lower and now getting to 30 is difficult.
 
I believe the number was 37, but I'm not positive. I told the coach I was with to be strict on my form and I did my best to hit 90 degrees but I felt worried afterwards that not all were done with great form. I even relayed my thoughts to my PMS when I had my interview that I felt it may not have been a great indication of my push-up prowess. I've since been working on getting lower and now getting to 30 is difficult.

If you're concerned about form, why not have someone videotape you doing pushups?
 
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