Seventy Push Ups

From Zanecorpwiki

I just knocked out seventy push ups (standard, no props, good form).

When I was younger, I'd get on a push-up kick mainly because my Tom, my Grandfather, told me a story about how he set some record for his school (I think) when he did 100 push ups in a row (I'm pretty sure about that number). Tom is my example for all things in physical fitness, so this is something I've always wanted to match.

I used to lift weights, an I would do push ups constantly. But I could never get much past 50. Plus, as soon as I slacked, it would drop fast and I'd have to work back up.

For the past few of months, though, my push up count has been improving with much less effort. I still do push-ups semi-regularly, but with nothing like the semi-daily routine I had before. Yet everytime I actually count (standard push ups), I improve.

I attribute this to two things. First, yoga. I've been very impressed by yoga. In general, it's improved my muscle tone and fitness as much as anything. I look better, am leaner, and in most ways stronger than I ever was when lifting weights. Which is fascinating because you never work to failure in yoga. You work hard (sometimes), for extended periods. My assumption is that the overall increase in fine muscle tone, used in balance and stability, has helped the major muscles so they don't get as fatigued or end up "doing all the work themselves". The improvements in core, hips, and thighs contribute so that each push up puts less strain on the pectorals and triceps, etc.

Second key: hand stands. I've been working on hand stands and can now push up from headstand to handstand. With the help of a wall, I can do handstand push ups (inverted military press?). This has created a noticeable difference in the minor torso muscles and improved tone in the shoulders. Plus, the inverted military press exercise is good cross training.

Maybe a third component: I try incline and decline push ups with a chair from time to time. Even better, with the swopper stool, forcing me to balance and hold steady.