I have been given a date for my green belt grading...
5th April...Im really determined to do well. The only thiing Im worried about is push ups. I know that sounds really strange, but part of the test is doing a number of push ups and my arms are a bit weak :-( Since I have 2 weeks to work on this, can anyone recommend some exercises that may give me some more strength in the short term? Im going to do more push ups every day ( I do 20 each morning at the moment, its all I have time for), which will help, but I dont want to embarrass myself (or my master) during the test...
20 seems fine, we only hav to do about this (though on our knuckles), how many do you actually have to do.
For a quick muscle boost you can do drop sets but these are quite taxing on your body and shouldnt be done every session. Basically do something like 2 x 10 reps (your 20 you do now) and then try another set of reps. Dont worry though how many you do, if you do 10 then great, wait about 15 secs then try for some more. The point is keep repeating until total failure i.e you can only do 6 out of the set. Then wait 15 secs and do it again. keep doing it until you cant even do 1. Then leave it 2 days before you do any more pressups and just do a normal lot of 2x 10 etc. Then next time do a drop set again. You really need the 2 days gap though for your muscles to repair or it really is pointless doing them. On the day you dont do pressups work another muscle group like your legs and alternate each day etc.
For the two ideas below, adjust the number of reps to your own abilities
Idea #1 - Intervals
8-12 push-ups followed by 30 seconds of rest, repeat for a few sets. This might help with your endurance. Over the two weeks, gradually increase the number of pushups in each set.
Or you could try keeping the same number of reps, but decrease the rest time
Idea #2 - Weight
Add a light weight (barbell plate works best) to your back to increase strength. The extra stength should be able to help you dish you a couple of more reps.
Thanks for the excellent suggestion...I think Ill try number one as its the endurance that I think I need to work on...thats not to say I wont try no 2 as well :-)
For the two ideas below, adjust the number of reps to your own abilities
Idea #1 - Intervals
8-12 push-ups followed by 30 seconds of rest, repeat for a few sets. This might help with your endurance. Over the two weeks, gradually increase the number of pushups in each set.
Or you could try keeping the same number of reps, but decrease the rest time
Idea #2 - Weight
Add a light weight (barbell plate works best) to your back to increase strength. The extra stength should be able to help you dish you a couple of more reps.
