Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc ...

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10 Replies Last post: Jul 19, 2007 10:09 AM by melistic

cardinalfan7

39 posts since
Aug 17, 2004

Jul 18, 2007 2:10 PM

Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

I decided to add a little something more to my running routine. I want to tone/build my arms and chest a little and maybe work on the stomach area as well. I don't really want to join a gym or buy a whole set of weights. Can I get by on just doing some push ups and sit ups? Are there any other excercises like those that I shouild add?

Thanks.

camelot

52 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

1. Jul 18, 2007 2:15 PM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

I do pull ups, chin ups and push ups and am considering dips. i built up to where i can do 25 pull ups in a row somewhat comfortably

melistic

839 posts since
Oct 11, 2007

2. Jul 18, 2007 2:23 PM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

I think everyone should!
you don't 'need' any equipment.
add squats, lunges, planks, all3 of which there are endless varieties
tri-push-ups, chin/chests, crunches, squat thrust, jump rope , dips, stairs/bleachers...........
If you want to add size to your chest, you might want a set of 15's or 20's (cheap) for benching and flyes
Just do it,
Mel

3chilipeppers

696 posts since
Nov 3, 2007

3. Jul 18, 2007 2:34 PM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

What Mel said -- all those are great. I have a couple sets of dumbbells that I use. You can get those hex ones for cheap and do some good chest and arm exercises with them. 10 and 15 lbs. are good to have. You can add them to squats for legs, etc... I also have an exercise ball which is great for doing core exercises, but you don't need the ball. Just do a search for core exercises, and you'll find a ton on the internet. Your core is so important in tris, but it dosn't hurt to build those arm and leg muscles as well. I used to do more at the gym, but I haven't had the time in the summer. Good luck, and don't overdo it. Twice a week is plenty for weight training (though you can do core exercises as much as you want)

Kelli

teacherjen

469 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Jul 18, 2007 2:51 PM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

And if you want to add more variety, and increase amount of core work with ALL the exercises, you can get a stability ball-- chest presses, flys, etc can all be done on the stability ball, which increases core stability while working on the other stuff. I never use a bench. Push ups are awesome with the ball under your lower legs.

mbannon

1,814 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Jul 18, 2007 3:37 PM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

Whether I do weights or not, I always do push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups a few times per week. I think they're an essential part of overall fitness.

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melistic

839 posts since
Oct 11, 2007

6. Jul 18, 2007 10:30 PM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

and yoga and boot camp and boxing oh my!

cardinalfan7

39 posts since
Aug 17, 2004

7. Jul 19, 2007 12:49 AM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

Excellent answers, all! I will definetly continue to incorporate the push ups and some of the other suggested excercises into my routine. I think I just needed to hear that the old fashion way was still a good easy option. I know I've heard of or known people in the past who have done it this way but had never tried it.

I just started running again after completing my first marathon and I'm buzzed about going out again and pushing it a little more. Where was this thinking the first 35 years of my life!!!!!

Flip082

154 posts since
Apr 4, 2003

8. Jul 19, 2007 6:13 AM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

I do a core workout 3x a week (on swim days), which includes some pushups as well. You can definitely do that without having to join a gym.

Make sure if you're doing situps that you're also doing low back work (eg, 3 x lie on your stomach with your arms and legs outstretched, slowly lift your legs and arms/chest off the ground, hold for 5 seconds, lower down slowly, and repeat 10 times)

Yoga is also fabulous for overall strength. I vote for Rodney Yee's "Yoga for Athletes"

Good luck!

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xflbk432096

319 posts since
Oct 31, 2006

9. Jul 19, 2007 7:49 AM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Flip:
Make sure if you're doing situps that you're also doing low back work...<HR>

Great advice Flip! I'm glad someone pointed this out as so many people forget to include any back excercises in their core workouts.

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melistic

839 posts since
Oct 11, 2007

10. Jul 19, 2007 10:09 AM

in response to: cardinalfan7

Re: Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Flip:

Make sure if you're doing situps that you're also doing low back work

Yoga is also fabulous for overall strength. I vote for Rodney Yee's "Yoga for Athletes"
<HR>

1.

hmm. I've not seen that one. I have his slow burn. He rocks but OMG hard.

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Jul 18, 2007 2:10 PM

Your Thoughts on Push ups, Sits ups, etc

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