The Benefits of Push-ups?

They help me but I really don't think you need to do that many in a row. What I do is a little insane but it works for me. I do a ladder of push-ups and add sit-ups in between sets of push-ups. I do a ladder starting at 15 push-ups and go up to 50 increasing each set by 5 then back down. I do the same with sit-ups only twice as many. Start at 30 and go up to 100 increasing by 10 each time then back down. 15 push-ups then 30 sit-ups then 20 push-ups then 40 sit-ups. Only problem is I'm not sure if I should do all that before or after my run. Can anyone help?

They help me but I really don't think you need to do that many in a row. What I do is a little insane but it works for me. I do a ladder of push-ups and add sit-ups in between sets of push-ups. I do a ladder starting at 15 push-ups and go up to 50 increasing each set by 5 then back down. I do the same with sit-ups only twice as many. Start at 30 and go up to 100 increasing by 10 each time then back down. 15 push-ups then 30 sit-ups then 20 push-ups then 40 sit-ups. Only problem is I'm not sure if I should do all that before or after my run. Can anyone help? When is the best time to do core work before or after runs?

Core is meant to supplement your run, not tire you out for it. Do it afterwards so you're tired for the core workout, not tired for the run.

i use the extra energy to run a little bit harder.

if i feel like i'd be able to sit down and perform a core workout after a run, i know i didn't run hard enough.

then again, that's a nearly sure ticket to breakdown city, as i know too well.

personally, i think you get better at running by running. for the core question, when i do it, i do it after running.

Well I'll try to answer both posts at once... Unless you are a weak person, I think push-ups are a waste of time. I am a strong person and have done strength work to get stronger. It hasn't made a difference.

I would just do a warm-up set and a set to failure and call it a day. You don't really use that type of strength to run anyway. Starting with low reps and working up really makes no sense at all. Why stop if you aren't fatigued?

pushups are a great way to develop poor posture, eg forward head and shoulders.

state plan 152 b wrote:

pushups are a great way to develop poor posture, eg forward head and shoulders.

can you explain this post?

Touche wrote:

Well I'll try to answer both posts at once... Unless you are a weak person, I think push-ups are a waste of time. I am a strong person and have done strength work to get stronger. It hasn't made a difference.

I agree. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but actually, I think that runners' obsession with push-ups and sit-ups has more to do with our collective insecurities about the runner body than actually getting faster...

Actually, push-ups done correctly have been shown to better one's posture. Most people, unfortunately, tend to curve their back from fatigue and end up hurting themselves. The back should be relatively unstressed during push-ups. One should mainly be working the triceps, pectorals, and the ancillary deltoids.

Actually, you are ill informed. Done properly, "working the triceps, pectorals, etc", pushups will contribute to an upper crossed syndrome. Posture will not be improved. Ancillary deltoids??? What are you, a creative anatomist?

Know-it-all wrote:

Actually, push-ups done correctly have been shown to better one's posture. Most people, unfortunately, tend to curve their back from fatigue and end up hurting themselves. The back should be relatively unstressed during push-ups. One should mainly be working the triceps, pectorals, and the ancillary deltoids.

kines.... wrote:

Actually, you are ill informed. Done properly, "working the triceps, pectorals, etc", pushups will contribute to an upper crossed syndrome. Posture will not be improved. Ancillary deltoids??? What are you, a creative anatomist?

what is an 'upper crossed syndrome'?

Doing nothing except pushups for 5 months, I gained 10 pounds of muscle and increased my bench by 20 pounds.

what sort of workouts: sets & reps were you doing?

Standard push-ups will primarily strengthen your chest/pec muscles, which is the primary muscle group it works. Secondary muscle groups it works are triceps and deltoids.

Having a set of dumbbells and using the upper body running motion is very good for runners. Why? Specificity.

IMO it's far better to spread your cross-training time/energy around with circuit training, including dips,squats,crunches,pullups,jumps,etc..

Another good one is to run short hills with aggressive upper body /arm movement,while keeping leg pushoff minimal. Your upper body should be good and "pumped" by the top.

Dips, along with pushups, are another exercise in futility.

'upper crossed syndrome'...google it.

Completing a series of body exercises 2x per week helped me break my 10k PR. Dips, sit ups and squats were the core exercises used. Its a confidence building platform too.

I like doing a push-ups where I place on foot on a stability ball, the other remains in the air, and then I do a set of 30 (as part of a circuit sequence). I think they work pretty well to make sure my entire core is getting worked.

The other thing I do--I read this in Vigil's book--is plyometric push-ups. In other words, when you push up, clap your hands and catch yourself on the way day. He claims, I believe, it helps w/ flexibility.

to address the original question, you are not wasting your time. doing 95 in a row is noway necessary. Probably a couple of sets of 50 would benefit you enough. If you can do 95 i think that you're in pretty good shape up top. Focus on dips/pullups next.

problems with your lower back? this is obviously something wrong with your core. try doing lower back excercises with your abdominal workouts. If you already do, then stop doing pushups because you're screwed.