OMG I have like.. No upper body strength

[MattHB]

Well, I decided that I need to do some regular sets of press ups and situps to strengthen my core and upper body with an aim to better posture overall

Situps weren't too bad. Got to 35 over 2 sets. The problem came with pressups! 3! Haha

So.. Might need to work on that slightly!

 

[ttcycle]

A good way to strengthen the core and the upper body strength is to do sets of planks

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/qt/plank.htm

When you're a bit stronger, do some more push ups.

A chin up bar will help build upper body strength. On the bike, try and do some short hills out of the saddle.

 

[MattHB]

A good way to strengthen the core and the upper body strength is to do sets of planks

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/abdominalcorestrength1/qt/plank.htm

When you're a bit stronger, do some more push ups.

A chin up bar will help build upper body strength. On the bike, try and do some short hills out of the saddle.

Cool thanks for that, I'd never heard of planks!

 

[col]

Try doing pressups from your knees, it lessons the weight so your able to do more , until your strength builds up enough to go back to your feet.

 

[MattHB]

Wow you look at that article and think, pfft, that'll be easy. I just tried and managed 2 sets of 20 seconds.. Just! Great exercise though. And thanks Col, I'll try that too.

My posture is terrible, always has been. I've always used the fact that I'm 6ft 5 as an excuse to slouch, rather than realising I have very poor core strength.

 

[cyberknight]

i prefer crunches to sit ups as sit ups can pull on the lower back, i like to do a set of 60 straight crunches followed by 100 "twisty" crunches for the obliques.for the back i use planks and back raises.
upper body i do lateral shoulder raises with about 18 llb dumbells,chest presses and pull ups on the total gym for sets of 18+ on the total gym.
press ups? i cant say i like them but on a good day i do 1 set of 50 and can do pull ups hanging off the top floor above the stairs for 10-12reps reverse grip

 

[CopperCyclist]

God I hate planks, I remember sadistic Jitsuing instructors counting out 'thirty seconds'.... 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 4, 5, 6, 7 ... 28, 29, 29, 29, 29 (etc etc).

They are great for core strength though.

 

[col]

i prefer crunches to sit ups as sit ups can pull on the lower back, i like to do a set of 60 straight crunches followed by 100 "twisty" crunches for the obliques.for the back i use planks and back raises.
upper body i do lateral shoulder raises with about 18 llb dumbells,chest presses and pull ups on the total gym for sets of 18+ on the total gym.
press ups? i cant say i like them but on a good day i do 1 set of 50 and can do pull ups hanging off the top floor above the stairs for 10-12reps reverse grip

Similar here with the lower back pulling. i use the half sit up a lot, where you touch your knees, but when you go down you stop before going all the way, so keeping tension on your stomach. Ya get a good burn

 

[Beaker39]

I started doing the plank about 2 weeks ago and could only manage 3 sets of 30 seconds. I am now up to 3 sets of 1min 30secs, so you appear to improve at it quite quickly. Not sure what kind of time you are supposed to do, I guess as long as possible?

 

[normskirus]

Well, I decided that I need to do some regular sets of press ups and situps to strengthen my core and upper body with an aim to better posture overall

Situps weren't too bad. Got to 35 over 2 sets. The problem came with pressups! 3! Haha

So.. Might need to work on that slightly!

Go kayaking! A bit of practice in the pool then onto the river for fun and frolics - after a couple river trips you'll have pretty solid shoulders and arms. Its also a nice way to see the country.

Normskirus

 

[jefmcg]

I started doing the plank about 2 weeks ago and could only manage 3 sets of 30 seconds. I am now up to 3 sets of 1min 30secs, so you appear to improve at it quite quickly. Not sure what kind of time you are supposed to do, I guess as long as possible?

Raise your feet (bench or chair). adds to the challenge.

 

[MattHB]

Go kayaking! A bit of practice in the pool then onto the river for fun and frolics - after a couple river trips you'll have pretty solid shoulders and arms. Its also a nice way to see the country.

Normskirus

Oh I'd so love to! Just my bank balance is being sucked up by my bike!

 

[col]

Matt have you got any weights or even kettles? Kettles dont need to be heavy either.

 

[MattHB]

Matt have you got any weights or even kettles? Kettles dont need to be heavy either.

No fraid not. Used to have weights but sold due to space. It's ok, using my 15st 7 should do the trick

 

[markg0vbr]

hand bike is the thing, you are still doing the thing you love and you can commute on it as well.