Upper Body Strength

[CyberianTigress]

I'm currently trying to build upper body strength so that I can do 22 pushups (right now I can only do 1). So my question is, on days that I do cardio, I want to do Taebo. But will that hinder my progress with my pushups? Should I just run instead?

[MsFit]

What are you currently doing for chest beside push ups? Are you weight training?
MsFit

[CyberianTigress]

They gave me a worksheet that tells how to improve pushups and this is the program:

3 days a week

30 sec -- as many pushups as I can do with regular hand position
60 sec---rest
30 sec -- as many pushups i can do with wide hands
rest
30 sec --as many pushups i can do with close hands
rest
20 sec -- as many pushups w/reg hands
30 sec -- "

Then 8-12 reps of one exercise each for shoulders, triceps, and biceps

[MsFit]

That should increase strenght, but eventually you will plateau. Are weights an option? If not you will have t adjust the given plan every few weeks or so. Adjusting as in doing 5 extra push ups or less rest time.
MsFit

[naturally built]

You probably will plateau doing push-ups only. However, you can definitely take the intensity up. For example, do 10 counts. Take 5 seconds to lower yourself and 5 seconds to raise your body for each push-up. I do a lot of personal training in people's homes. I rarely have the luxtury of health club type of equipment. Almost any exercise, within reason and level of trainee, can be adapted to increase intesity to obtain a response.

I can guarantee you this, if you can do 10 push-ups using 10 counts. (10 push-ups x 10 seconds = 100 seconds under resistance) You will definitely be able to do 22 push-ups. (22 push-ups x 1-2 seconds = 22 to 44 seconds under resistance.

Hope this helps.

[CyberianTigress]

okay thank you for all the advice I will try those things and let you know how it goes

[Muddy]

Push ups are an excellent all-around strength builder, IMO. Depending upon how the tai bo uses the upper body, running may be the better alternative for cardio, though. You need to give your muscles "down time" to repair/build mass. For pure cardio, I do the stairs at my town's high school stadium or dance. I don't like to run. :P

Take care!

[CyberianTigress]

Yeah I don't really care for running either, but I like Tae bo and I actually look forward to doing it. But I tHink I will lay off it for awhile and just work on my pushups and do something other than Tae bo.

[Shannon]

Why not try pull-ups or bench pressing??

Shannon

[CyberianTigress]

I can't do any pullups, and my bench press is sooooo weak
:)
Plus I only have an EZ curl bar and I don't think I can do bench presses with those...or can I?

[Chris C]

Do you couldent. Do you even have a bench?

[seattlenancy]

If you can't do any pull-ups and have a weak bench press you could do wonders by getting a spotter. Have the spotter hold your legs when you're on the pull-up bar. He or she is there just to support your weight while you do the work. It's a great way to work up to pulling your own weight. With the bench, you can push your limits more with a spotter. Good luck. You can do it.

[USNSEAL]

DO both

[H2POLO]

OK ur workout is stupid how are you gonna be able to do =
30 sec -- as many pushups as I can do with regular hand position
60 sec---rest
30 sec -- as many pushups i can do with wide hands
rest
30 sec --as many pushups i can do with close hands
rest
20 sec -- as many pushups w/reg hands
30 sec -- "

????????????????
You can only do one push up so ur gonna do 1 every 30 seconds????????????
My suggestion is lose some weight if ur overweight over if ur just weak start weight lifting. Dont try i olymic bar might be to much weight for you.. thats funny 1 push up lol

[H2POLO]

lol that shut u up!

[cw78]

To be honest, pushups will not build upper body strength required for any martial arts, unless you do it 1 handed with a very slow tempo. CW

[millax04]

You guys are full of ****...my bench press went up 10 pounds while doing push ups constantly...why do you think navy seals and marines do so many---to build upper body strenth.....push ups is a good way to start working out...

[juanpbeltran]

Try varying the angle in your pushups. If you have your hands higher than your legs pushups will be easier, and if your legs are higher than your hands then they will be easier. Try to adjust the angle until you can do 10 reps. Try to adjust the angle every week to avoid a plateau.

[andrerox80]

Try varying the angle in your pushups. If you have your hands higher than your legs pushups will be easier, and if your legs are higher than your hands then they will be easier. Try to adjust the angle until you can do 10 reps. Try to adjust the angle every week to avoid a plateau.

um, the post is from 2001...