The Time Between Sets

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panzerjaeger

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Hey, im new. I work out as much as I can but this week Im counseling a kids camp and I dont have time for a proper workout.

My max on pushups is about 28 per set(alot i know :D ), and I usually do 5 sets.

The last few days ive had to spread them out a whole lot. Ive been doing a set before breakfast, 2 or 3 during the day, and one or two more before bed.

Does this help me as much as doing all the sets with only about 3-5 minutes in between?

The same applies to crunches.

Thanks!
 
Well so long as your aware you will not grow any noticeable in size or gain any noticeable strength from this, its fine.
 
Well I think you (like ALOT of n00bs) are unaware of what "toned" really is. Toned is basically haveing a low body fat. Low enough that it shows ones muscle mass without fat obstructing the "view". which is what gives one that "Defined/toned" look.

So to answer your question. No, If you want to stay "toned/defined" you simply have to keep your body fat down.
 
They don't do much for building muscle because they're too easy for you. To gain size you need to be lifting weights that you can cope with for roughly 3 sets of 10 with about 1-2 minutes rest inbetween (that's a very rough guide). I think the rep range for maximum size gain is about 8-12 so if you're doing 28 pushups per set then it's more of an endurance exercise.

Also, you shouldn't be doing this everyday, your body needs time to recover and repair so try working out every other day. If you don't have access to weights then look around the site for body weight exercises that will give you a more 'full body' workout. some dips and squats would be helpful.
 
CCR said:
I think the rep range for maximum size gain is about 8-12
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That's basically to stimulate sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. myofibrillar hypertrophy (aka functional hypertrophy) is stimulated with heavier weights, roughly 4-6 reps, roughly. Everything is part of a continuum of ranges, so nothing is absolutely defined in terms of reps vs. outcomes. Also, genetics and training age can and will affect this.
 
bipennate said:
That's basically to stimulate sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. myofibrillar hypertrophy (aka functional hypertrophy) is stimulated with heavier weights, roughly 4-6 reps, roughly. Everything is part of a continuum of ranges, so nothing is absolutely defined in terms of reps vs. outcomes. Also, genetics and training age can and will affect this.
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OK smart arse ;) that's an impressive addition and absolutely true but I was talking in basic terms for getting maximum growth which I still think comes from the medium rep range.

I would +rep you for that but as I repped you earlier I can't again just yet. :D
 
CCR said:
OK smart arse ;) that's an impressive addition and absolutely true but I was talking in basic terms for getting maximum growth which I still think comes from the medium rep range.
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Lol...but I would still argue that even in basic terms, maximum growth is achieved through rep mixing, not just focusing on one range (the exception being with a newbie, where basically any rep range represents an overload stimulus and will cause growth). After all, higher weight, lower rep improves strength to a greater degree than lighter weight, and that increase in strength (besides causing myofibrillar hypertrophy), will improve weight at the higher 8-12 rep range, improving results there as well. It's a win-win :cool:
 
Ok that was somewhat difficult to follow. So basically, these pushups are doing nothing for me, even if I do them until Im completely worn out and cannot do another?
 
panzerjaeger said:
Ok that was somewhat difficult to follow. So basically, these pushups are doing nothing for me, even if I do them until Im completely worn out and cannot do another?
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It's better than nothing, but in terms of producing strength/size, they're doing close to nothing. Having said that, there are some excellent bodyweight workouts floating around the web. Look up "Turbulance Training" from Craig Ballantyne for some ideas
 
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