Hitting a wall with my pecs??

LegioTitan · 17-Aug-05, 03:07 PM

Yet another stupid question from your friendly neighborhood newb.
I've been pretty happy with my bench results in my pecs up until recently. Its just that I can't get any definition out of the suckers. Which is bugging me because even though they're nice and firm and what have you, they still look terrible. I don't use traditional weights, I use a bowflex. Yes, yes laugh all you like but you're telling me you'd just let the thing collect dust if it was given to you? I mean I hate Ferraris but I'd drive one for a couple of days before I sold it if I was given one. So right now I'm doing 5 sets of 15 reps at 180lbs resistance. Which is probably, what, in free weight? 120lbs?? Mayhap less. I've never felt completely used up after the bench part of my workout so should I just go ahead and max it out and try that? It maxes out at only 210. Perhaps a switch to flys? I dunno. By the way I appreciate your input on the pushup question. Helped a good bit.

**threenorns** · 17-Aug-05, 03:17 PM

15 reps is too high. bump up the resistance and go for fewer reps.

but definition is only made in the kitchen - you have strip body fat to reveal definition.

Your_Crazy · 17-Aug-05, 04:16 PM

Or get implanets.

LOL

17-Aug-05, 04:25 PM

Try Atlas push-ups, maybe as a drop set with your primary pec work.

Atlas push-ups = get two chairs and place them to the side with you positioned in the middle. Hands on chairs, legs behind touching the ground. Do a push-up through the chairs, going as low and as slow as you can safely go, then return to the starting position.

One week as part of a volume blitz, I had two days of 500 reps, 25 reps per set spaced throughout the day. I noticed some new cuts.

**maverick** · 17-Aug-05, 04:32 PM

dropsets, blitzes... I can hear the BB in you screaming to come out!

17-Aug-05, 04:38 PM

Hi maverick,

I'm a recovering barbell lifter and I have 15 months of sobriety (er, I mean abstinence). I'll always know the lingo and enjoy reading tough workouts like yours.

yorkie85 · 18-Aug-05, 04:37 PM

Pierini, if you're into bodyweight training, you should try tuck planche push-ups. They're like dips but you keep your body leaning further forward so your knees are behind your hands. It'll shatter your upper body.

18-Aug-05, 04:48 PM

Hello yorkie85,

I think I visualize what you are describing, and I will soon give them a try. Nothing like constantly shocking the body with something new to create new gains in fitness and skills. Thanks for sharing.

Italianang · 25-Sep-05, 03:58 PM

body fat is also a factor to look at..........
Linda

Reverse · 26-Sep-05, 09:04 AM

planche pushups..

http://www.bboy.org/gallery/showphot...anche%20pushup

wait to 28 seconds

pseudonym · 26-Sep-05, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reverse

planche pushups..

http://www.bboy.org/gallery/showphot...anche%20pushup

wait to 28 seconds

that is ridiculous(ly hard to do looking

) ... I challenge anyone who believes themselves to be strong to try this.

Sure you can bench 600lbs but can you palanche ? (I will stand corrected but I would be surprised if any 600lb bencher/squatter/deadlifter could do this).

Makes ya wonder what 'strong' really is huh ?

now if only I can figure a way to add an extra two days to the week I can throw some of this cool stuff into my routine

yorkie85 · 26-Sep-05, 07:32 PM

Ah yes. Planche push-ups. The ultimate show of strength imo. Check out this video as well. At the end, the guy does them without breaking a sweat. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/26525/...eakdance_moves

Here's a very interesting article on the topic. The exercises described currently make up half of my entire upper body routine: http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/229/

Reverse · 27-Sep-05, 04:29 AM

yeh the clip of bboy junior is dope!

massive arms as well

i'm not sure if this would be correct but i image they might be able to do it more easy than other people such as bodybuilders, strong people becasue they generally don't have much mass in the lower body.? could this be right?

yorkie85 · 27-Sep-05, 06:06 AM

While it's true that b-boys/gymnasts have less lower body mass than bodybuilders, that's just a minor point in explaining why a bodybuilder would fail at it. It takes amazing power from the stabiliser muscles to support your entire body parallel to the ground on your shoulder girdle. It also requires a full-body contraction unlike any you'd get pumping free weights. It can be done though. You just have to train through the progressions.