There are several different ways to go about having a pushup workout program. If you've seen my article, "How To Reach A Goal Of 100 Push-ups" you already know one workout program. And that's to do one set of pushups, as many as you can do, every single day.
This goes against typical weight lifting theory that your muscles need 48 hours to fully repair themselves. I certainly don't disagree with that theory, the one-set-every-day approach is more of a mental challenge than anything else.
If you want a complete pushup workout program, it may be better to do several sets of pushups, every other day. This gives your body plenty of time to repair itself, while at the same time you are getting a much better workout.
OK, so how do we do set up a great program? There are all sorts of different ways you can do pushups, as this video points out...
If you want to incorporate some of these into your pushup workout program, more power to you. I would start off small and do 3-5 sets. Again, doing these every other day to allow your muscles to repair.
It's very important to chart your progress. It's not tough to do. Pen and paper, and be sure to write down the date.
If for no other reason, you'll really appreciate that you charted your progress a year or two from now. By then, you'll be able to do a million pushups and you'll look back and wonder how you were ever so weak.
Once you get in the habit of doing 3-5 regular sets of pushups, try adding in the tricep pushup that Chris talks about in the above video. You'll be surprised just how difficult those are!
Other things to try?
If you want to really build strength and muscle, you may want to add more resistence to your pushups. While being able to do a set of 50 pushups is nice to brag about, ideally, for maximum muscle building you want to have sets where you can do no more than about 12-15 pushups at a time.
I wear a weight vest when I do pushups. If you have a partner, have them throw on a barbell weight on your back. Doing this will take your pushup workout program to a whole new level!
Will I Really Get Anything Out Of Just Doing Pushups?
The short answer, yes!
I am a strong believer of the 80/20 rule. 20% of the actions account for 80% of the results. Pushups are a great workout. They work your chest, biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, and abs. So instead of doing 10 different things in your workout, why not focus on the best 1-3 and do more sets of those?
Perhaps you may be better off adding a little more than just different types of pushups. But you can always add that in later.
If you love doing pushups, more power to you! Do them on a consistent basis and you are sure to get great results!
Now hit the floor! :-)
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