Pushups

[The Red Dragon]

Are these over rated or what? How do these compare to a bench press, I know that pushups don't compare to a bench press above your bodyweight. I never do pushups...just incline/flat/decline, but some people are very insistant on doing these. How effective are they for size and mass gains?

 

[AgainstAllOdds]

Try them with weights between two chairs, you can go much deeper. I think it's great. Incline and decline pushups are good for variety too, in my opinion.

Flat bench press really isn't that great for your chest, but it's still important. Flat bench press to the neck is great too, in my opinion. Tons of great chest exercises.

 

[slobberknocker]

I think they suck for mass, but that's my opinion.

 

[louden_swain]

I think that push ups are effective for developing muscular endurance. As for building mass. . . . not the best choice.

What will build a bigger and stronger chest?

a) a 405lb incline press for reps
b) 80 pushups using bodyweight

I think we all know the obvious answer.

 

[Mike_Rojas]

When I go on vacation and don't have access to a gym, I like to elevate my feet and do explosive push ups. Other than that I wouldn't waste my time on them unless you need muscular endurance for some reason.

 

[makedah]

Well...


Push-ups also rely on core stability.

And some people (ahem!) can't bench their bodyweight so a push-up could be harder.

I also think it's an ego thing for some people (kinda like a big bench press is for some, as well) - knowing how many push-ups you can crank out.

Personally, because full push-ups are harder for women to accomplish, it's my personal goal to be able to do them.

 

[AgainstAllOdds]

You can use weight for push ups, you know...You just put the plates on your back. Doing them between chairs lets you go down even deeper for a huge stretch in the chest.

 

[louden_swain]

Push ups are a great way to start for a beginner, but as you become stronger you need greater resistance.

 

[Legion Kreinak2]

I agree with Louden, if your goal is to be a powerlifter or bodybuilder. If you're going for endurance, then go right ahead with push-ups.

As for being able to crank out alot of them and impressing someone, if someone out does you with these, go see who can drag a sled further, or do more weighted chin-ups or dips.

 

[WalkingBeast]

I think that push ups are effective for developing muscular endurance. As for building mass. . . . not the best choice.

What will build a bigger and stronger chest?

a) a 405lb incline press for reps
b) 80 pushups using bodyweight

I think we all know the obvious answer.

Very true