Thread: Push ups are the devil

So I start OCS in 16 days and for the in physical assessment I need to be able to do 42 push ups, 50 curl ups (both in 2 mins) and a 13:15 mile and a half.

Now the curls I can do 60 something in 2 mins and the run I can do in about 10:10 if I really push myself but the fucking push ups are killing me.

I've been doing the hundred pushup program and do the 90something to 100 in sets, but I always seem to fail at hitting the 42 when I test myself. I'll do like 23 in one set no problem, but on days when I test myself I'll hit like 25 to 30 and fall apart, I just don't get it.

At the bare minimum if I do 37 and do 54 and a 12:45 run I can make up for the point loss, but I'm scared shitless that I won't do as well on that first test after all the shots and medical stuff we do the day before, and I REALLY don't want to be rolled into holding company off the bat.

I've been weening myself off coffee and only drink (2-3 beers) twice a week now just to hopefully improve things but I'm starting to get kinda worried.

Any suggestions other than keep it up and hope for the best?

I'm currently doing the pushups every other day and doing extra cardio an legs or swimming (1000 to 1500 yards) on the off days.

How long have you been doing the 100 pushup program? It should work.

I was up to week 6, but then I realized that I was doing my push ups pretty wrong and was not getting the full benefit. So when I fixed my form I had to backtrack and ended up restarting the program. I'm on the second day of week 4 now. I'm definitely stronger than before and my arms / chest / shoulders are at a point much better than they ever have been, so I'm wondering if part of it just might be mental. I feel like physically I should be able to do it but while doing them I'm always thinking 'shit I can't do this' which very well may be part of the problem. Considering I was running 8 minute miles telling myself I couldn't go faster, next time I went out with a positive attitude and ran a 6:10 so we shall see. At least I still have two more weeks of killer workouts for me to get to the point I need.

I've always had better luck on push ups if I just do multiple sets of my max. Also, when you do the pushups are you bowing your elbows out or are your arms coming down to your sides? Alot people find it easier to bring them to your sides.

Who scores you can make a difference too...sometimes you'll get some asshole that won't count half of your push ups/sit ups for some reason. Usually(at least in the AF) the people that do this eventually get fired but not before failing tons of people for no reason. I would recommend doing Triceps pushups instead of pectoral(pectoral your arms go out at right angles, Tri's your arms go down against your side). They are much easier for you and makes it harder for the Fitness assessor to judge and take away a pushup.

And I totally agree. I despise pushups almost as much as I despise running.

Originally Posted by RAWRKITTY

I've always had better luck on push ups if I just do multiple sets of my max. Also, when you do the pushups are you bowing your elbows out or are your arms coming down to your sides? Alot people find it easier to bring them to your sides.

Who scores you can make a difference too...sometimes you'll get some asshole that won't count half of your push ups/sit ups for some reason. Usually(at least in the AF) the people that do this eventually get fired but not before failing tons of people for no reason. I would recommend doing Triceps pushups instead of pectoral(pectoral your arms go out at right angles, Tri's your arms go down against your side). They are much easier for you and makes it harder for the Fitness assessor to judge and take away a pushup.

And I totally agree. I despise pushups almost as much as I despise running.

Interesting, I'll have to try going along my sides. Thanks for the info sir

Originally Posted by VinDeagle

Well, if you're only focusing on the exercises you've stated thats where your problem is. Are you going to a gym? Do you work your whole body? I find if I make myself into a 't' to do pushups it helps spread my body weight and center of gravity.

Well I've been mixing it up with swimming - free style, kicksets, arms (with leg buoy), and if I'm not swimming I do some sort of cardio - rowing machine, or bike, and then various leg and core workouts. I just figured that the arms from the swimming and pushups did enough upper body, with the leg, kicksets doing the rest.