Before asking this I’ll admit that extensive internet searchs would probably yield the answers but I’m going to rely on the expertise of SDMB posters who work out to gain my knowledge. I’ve just started working after a loooooong break(OK, 10 damn years!) so a few questions have been coming up in my routines.
When doing push-ups I’ve found that my stomach muscles are a bit sore , maybe more so than my arms. Am I positioning myself wrong or is this normal? I’m also doing bench presses but wondering if I am duplicating my efforts. When done correctly, do they work out the same muscles? Which would you consider more effective in gaining upper body strength?
I’m also doing curls and considering installing a pull-up bar. Will these exercises duplicate each other or would they make a good combo? Also in addition to running, I’m considering dusting off my old exercise bike and doing some riding. Again, would I be duplicating my efforts?
It’s 1am so I’m sure all sorts of info is lacking. I’ll post more information as needed to help answer my questions.
Thanks!
Pushups duplicate the bench press, and chin ups don’t duplicate curls. A little abdominal soreness is OK.
Have a look around here for good beginner’s info.
Focussing on one or two exercises tends to make you good at those exercises and not a lot else. For example, people who run, and only run, are only good at running. Carrying groceries up three flights of stairs will kick their ass.
So, doing a bunch of different exercises may not make you as strong at the one or two that you’ve been focussing on, but your general health & fitness should increase, so if you do something out of the ordinary, you’re more likely to have done some development of the muscles needed to do it.
For the ab question on pushups, you’re using your core torso muscles at least indirectly when you’re doing pushups–if you’re doing them right, then the core muscles are keeping your torso rigid; if you’re doing them wrong, then you’re wobbling back and forth, up and down, and the core muscles are the ones doing the wobbling, so either way, you’re using those muscles. They aren’t actually doing the pushups, but they’re involved (like ham & eggs… the chicken is involved, the pig is committed…).
If at all possible, try doing pushups where you can see your side-view reflection in a mirror or a window. There should be a reasonably straight line from the center of mass for your shoulders (where the joint is) to your ankles. And, as when starting any exercise, it’s better to do a few right then a ton wrong.