Took my first CFA practice test

[freedomtruck]

@hkim

I do really agree with your statement of being light. I'm only 125lbs. and did 18 pullups with a breeze on the CFA. I can max out at 25.

Pullups primarly target your lats (side back muscles), so if you've only been working on biceps (which have little utilitarian value) or other muscles, pullups with be difficult for you. The best way to practice pullups is to do pullups. If you can only do 2, then so be it. Practice 30 sets of 2. Effort --> Results

 

[hkim93]

@hkim

I do really agree with your statement of being light. I'm only 125lbs. and did 18 pullups with a breeze on the CFA. I can max out at 25.

Pullups primarly target your lats (side back muscles), so if you've only been working on biceps (which have little utilitarian value) or other muscles, pullups with be difficult for you. The best way to practice pullups is to do pullups. If you can only do 2, then so be it. Practice 30 sets of 2. Effort --> Results

Could'nt have put it better myself Practice!!
Max at 25?! That's awesome!!

 

[Peter]

@hkim

I do really agree with your statement of being light. I'm only 125lbs. and did 18 pullups with a breeze on the CFA. I can max out at 25.

Pullups primarly target your lats (side back muscles), so if you've only been working on biceps (which have little utilitarian value) or other muscles, pullups with be difficult for you. The best way to practice pullups is to do pullups. If you can only do 2, then so be it. Practice 30 sets of 2. Effort --> Results

It's a blessing to be light. If I was any heavier, I don't know if I could pull them off.

 

[hkim93]

It's a blessing to be light. If I was any heavier, I don't know if I could pull them off.

Yes it is, however, I think if I was any heavier I would still be able to do pull ups because I'd be able to adapt to it. My arms would be that much stronger. (I know I contradicted myself from my earlier statement )
BUT, everyone should just know the key to success is practice
Feel free to message me for tips and advice; I can always ask my coach

 

[freedomtruck]

Yes it is, however, I think if I was any heavier I would still be able to do pull ups because I'd be able to adapt to it. My arms would be that much stronger. (I know I contradicted myself from my earlier statement )
BUT, everyone should just know the key to success is practice
Feel free to message me for tips and advice; I can always ask my coach

If you were heavier and continued to practice pullups, you would be incredibly strong.

I only do calisthenics, no weight training. That is, using my own body as weight/resistance. Regardless, I'm still the size of an average american girl

 

[scoutpilot]

If you were heavier and continued to practice pullups, you would be incredibly strong.

I only do calisthenics, no weight training. That is, using my own body as weight/resistance. Regardless, I'm still the size of an average american girl

I assume your dismay is because you are in fact a guy? Play the hand you're dealt, brother. Small people can fit into an average sized world. Large people find it much harder When I was flying, my first copilot was 5'5" tall and didn't mind the cramped cockpit. My roommate was 6'6" and when we flew together, well, it was like a Cirque Du Soleil act watching him get in and out.

For those looking to increase BB throw and Pull-ups, there are a few things to focus on.

1. Technique. BB throw is, in large part, technique. As many have said, practice makes perfect. When you do pullups, go ALL THE WAY UP. Chest to bar.

2. For pullups, use a weight-assisted machine at a gym like the one pictured below. Choose your target number of pullups (say, the max score rep count for a CFA) and do three sets of that number, using the amount of weight-assist as necessary to achieve the reps. As you get better, start decreasing the weight. Eventually you'll start doing a few with no weight and then reverting to the weight. As time goes on you'll reach your goal unassisted and then follow it with assisted sets. If you keep doing that plan every other day, you'll max pullups easy.

3. Work your abs. While you wouldn't think it, both the BB throw and the pullup event are actually very ab-intensive. Look up a few ab workouts like the wood-chopper and knee-ups and such. Strong abs are the key to many things.

Good luck!

 

[Iwheel]

Very insightful. The ab intensive, something I did not think of/know about, but does make sens. Learned something new. Thanks!

 

[navy2016]

Very insightful. The ab intensive, something I did not think of/know about, but does make sens. Learned something new. Thanks!

if you think about it practically any movement will require the use of ur abs.
bruce lee believed ab strength was the foundation to be successful at martial arts.

swinging and throwing the ball will require strength from ur abs and especailly the obliques- sides.

 

[Iwheel]

true.

 

[scoutpilot]

true.

You'll find that after several hard pullup workouts, your abs will be quite sore.

 

[freedomtruck]

I've gotten over my height and frame size a couple years ago. Despite my confidence in my physical abilities, it's still a bit dismaying when around many bigger guys.

The CFA primarily targets a person's core: back, pectorials, abdominal muscles. Most guys I know work more on lifting and biceps, so the assessment would definitely be a challenge.