Lousy push ups

[tom]

I recorded this week's max for the push up challenge. It's horrible. I didn't expect much as far as numbers went, but I was shocked and disappointed at my technique.

I have claimed solid, full technique as far as my push ups went. I have never claimed outlandish numbers, but I was proud of what I did. Nothing partial about me, body ramrod straight, perfect . . . hogwash!!

The clip shows my rear sticking way up in the air, my body not straight, looking like a hen pecking for bugs, suspicious range of motion, getting a great neck stretch out of it in order to touch my chin to the floor. Disgusting.

I don't care how anybody else does their push ups. I have only asked people to show what they meant by push ups. This clip does not show my idea of an acceptable push up for ME.

I apologize for any claims I have made as to my push up ability. I claim nothing any more.

Back to the drawing board.

Ok, now it works, thanks to Thinman!!

FJKp2I6aBIE&feature=channel_page

Ok, this doesn't seem to work when I wrap that youtube thingy around it. I'm tired, ticked, and going to bed. Take my word for it, it's bad.

Jeesh!

Tom

[NoBite]

I found your comments refreshing. Humility always wears well, Tom. Them video cams can be brutally honest! Found that out when my wife and I taped each other riding our gaited horses. We thought we had them in the proper gait, until we actually watched the tape! LOL!

You will recover from your revelation and surpass your ultimate goals. That's my prediction.

[kelbiz]

Tom;

Believe it or not. you've come to a point many never get to......recognizing the need for improvement. A lot of people have terrible ( add whatever you like ) and never realize it. Also, if someone tries to suggest even the slightest improvement, they fly off the handle.

They will justify bad results with limiting factors that they have accepted without ever trying to change them. It applies to all areas of life - physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, psychological, relationships with others - just about everything!

You, however, realize the need to improve! Thank that video for your EUREKA moment. You are now light years ahead of the majority of peole on our planet. Now, there is one thing to do..make an adjustment. Plain and simple. Congrats and enjoy the next phase of your journey.

Jack

[Hank_Z]

Tom,

Thanks for the post. Humility and honesty go a long way.

Your post gave me an idea. Even though my push-up numbers are low, I'll video myself doing them.

It's a lot like what I do to help people improve their English in this Spanish-speaking country. When people hear an audio of their pronunciation compared to mine...that feedback immediately helps them improve.

Using a video to get feedback on push-up form is something many of us might benefit from.

Hank

[tom]

Thanks, Y'all. I'm too old to have a problem with humility. I just didn't know I had to use it so often . . .

Thinman, I suspected something techy like that. I'll use your suggestions when I get home this afternoon. I don't have YouTube access at work. For privacy and minimal annoyance, I always disable all I can as far as access, tags, etc.

Tom

[gruntbrain]

Worrying about "style points" can dampens one's outlook.; just do 'em with vim & vigor

[tom]

It works now. Thanks, Thinman. You're magic - mine appeared on your post, too. Wow.

Here it is again:

FJKp2I6aBIE&feature=channel_page


So, this week I'm going to do a lot of reps in easy sets, 10-reps or so each, in order to feel what a proper perfect push up is. I'm going to ignore any set program for the week. Once I'm happy with what I look like, I'll think about getting the numbers up.

Thanks, Donna, and Grunt, I'm usually pretty easy on myself with minimal standards. But if it is something I claim to do in public, I'm going to make it as beyond reproach as reasonable, numbers be damned.

Tom

[Greg Newton]

I'm sorry Tom, but It looked pretty good to me! And on knuckles to boot! We are own worst critics, but I did get busted this summer for not locking out all the way at an Army recruiter booth where they tested your max on pushups. Still, I think you are doing great!

[tom]

Thanks, Greg. I know they could be worse, but I scold my students all the time about hinging at the hips. It takes away the plank benefit. I've been doing the knuckles for 40 years, since my first kruddy teacher did them like that. They do spare the wrists, but in spite of the pain at first, the skin desensitizes within a week and there is nothing to it.

Maybe I'll put up a video of what I want my push ups to look like.

I like this guy's technique and pace. I'll skip the smoking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgHf3vZzjTk&feature=channel_page

Tom

[gruntbrain]

I believe insterspersing hinging throughout a pushup set is a good thing

[budgiefan]

" I claim nothing any more"

This is a good practice.

[govegan]

It's good to be able to see areas you should improve, but don't forget to look for the positives as well. For example, despite the fact that your body wasn't completely straight, you were keeping it rigid the whole time. That should only require a slight adjustment and the rest of your form should follow - if you're no longer bent at the waist, your head won't be aimed toward the ground, encouraging you to stretch out your neck.

Interesting experiment - I should try to do the same. There are a few exercises where I feel like my form isn't great and it would be handy to see what, if anything, I'm doing wrong and how to correct it.