Pushups and Situps every day?
Discussion
During lockdown I have been trying to put on some lean muscle best I can at home with a barbell and some dumbells, plus bodyweight exercises. Typically trying to train 3 times a week but in between I started the 100 push up and sit up challenge too.
The reminders for these programs are daily - am I doing too much if I do a set of push and sits every day? To the extent I am not really having any recovery days?
The reminders for these programs are daily - am I doing too much if I do a set of push and sits every day? To the extent I am not really having any recovery days?
Legend83 said:
Oh really? How come? Been hammering them! (although technically mixing situps, leg raises and crunches)
They're hard on your spine. I don't do them. Loads of people do though and don't have issues.I'd do the alternatives.
Also you should do some pulling to counter balance the pushing.
gregs656 said:
They're hard on your spine. I don't do them. Loads of people do though and don't have issues.
I'd do the alternatives.
Also you should do some pulling to counter balance the pushing.
Ok I will stick to leg raises and crunches.I'd do the alternatives.
Also you should do some pulling to counter balance the pushing.
I have pull exercises within my 3 x a week regime e.g. upright rows, chin ups etc.
A suspension trainer can be quite useful for variations on the rowing motion to complement pressups. Resistance can be varied: Feet can be raised, weight can be worn etc.

I over-did pressups a few years ago and ended up with shoulder pain. I now do a mix of pushing, pulling, Indian clubs and maces. I don't often do situps, although I can do quite high reps so to strength gained from other exercises.
I over-did pressups a few years ago and ended up with shoulder pain. I now do a mix of pushing, pulling, Indian clubs and maces. I don't often do situps, although I can do quite high reps so to strength gained from other exercises.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 5th May 16:41
Legend83 said:
Ok I will stick to leg raises and crunches.
I have pull exercises within my 3 x a week regime e.g. upright rows, chin ups etc.
That's good.I have pull exercises within my 3 x a week regime e.g. upright rows, chin ups etc.
Hanging leg raises, if you have the height on your pull up bar to do them, are superb. My door way one is too low, can do knee raises though.
FWIW my 'lock down' challenges in addition to my usual workouts (5 days a week now) have been 50 burpees a day in April, and 15 minutes of cardio a day for May.
Very achievable, but I find having a straight forward goal has been really good for my general out look and mental health.
ghost83 said:
I get back ache with sit-ups
What’s best for abs then?
What are you trying to do?What’s best for abs then?
Hnging leg raise, mountain clmbers, squat thrusts, Pullups, rows, side planks, press ups, swinging/anti/Rotational motions (kettlebells, clubs, maces, medicine balls etc.) and loaded carries work your core/midriff.
Legend83 said:
My abs are pretty solid and strong now but I still have a small layer of fat on my midriff which means I am not "ripped" - I guess to get that last extra reveal is about what I eat rather than how I train....?
Train and enjoy it. Do a variety of activity, don't eat and drink booze too much. Improve performance and skills. Keep at it. You become what you do. Don't worry about looking "ripped" or a famine victim. Mens Health covers models don't look like that 365 days per year. MC Bodge said:
Train and enjoy it. Do a variety of activity, don't eat and drink booze too much. Improve performance and skills. Keep at it. You become what you do. Don't worry about looking "ripped" or a famine victim. Mens Health covers models don't look like that 365 days per year.
Good advice thanks, the main thing as you say is I am enjoying feeling better and looking better (and actually seeing some results - I am a "hard-gainer" so it'a always pretty frustrating!)Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff


