Endurance Questions

[Atticus]

I have been going to the gym for about 2 years now. Took a long break, but getting back into it better than ever.

I am going into the Academy this coming December, and I know they do a lot of push-ups. But that's where I have a problem.

I can go to the gym, and work out each separate muscle needed for a push-up (Chest, Triceps, and Shoulders) to a good extend. However, when I try to make'm work all together for a push-up it just doesn't work.

I can do 20x 4-Count Push-Ups but then I die. Barely getting the last two counts.

How can I boost endurance, or strength in doing push-ups?

I will also note: I have weak shoulders. I tore rotator-cuffs a few years ago, so that really made it hard to gain the strength.

Any suggestions? Goal is to hit 40x 4-Count Push-Ups by early December.

Thank You.

[vamp]

Have you tried.....

Each set you do, do to failure. So 1st set say you hit 31 and then you rest for 2-5 minutes and do it again to failure, say 27 this time. Don't set a limit for yourself in endurance type work on push ups and pull ups, go for broke each set.

Also, if you are doing 20 perfect pushups then you should start bench pressing as well. It will help build strength. Military presses and arm raises build strength through the shoulders and rotator cuffs.

Do pull-ups and chin-ups as well as they help build these areas and the back and bi's. I believe they are part of your regs in the academy as well.

Cheers

[swanso5]

for your rotator cuff search "shoulder savers" by eric cressey and "face pulls, push ups and shrugs" by mike robertson and until this is fixed you'll really struggle to get any further...the reason why you can't do anymore reps is because your little stabilising muscles (cuffs etc) are too weak and when they are too weak they shut off the prime movers (pecs, shoulders) to avoid injury

[Atticus]

Thank you both for your input. Definitely learned something. I'll have to try what you suggest, and see how that goes! Sounds like a great idea.

Thanks.