Flawless Victory

 2 Words 90's kids love to hear when they played Mortal Kombat. Yesterday, I was messing around with Push-Ups and wanted to find out how my technique stood out doing just regular style, no handles, no PUGS, no fists, only the classic. Turned out better than I thought.

Push-Ups in general are weird for me since I'm a bit more one sided than the other so it wouldn't matter the variation, it was going to have some balance issues even if it's not noticeable to the naked eye. Yeah sure I've done plenty of them over the years and continue to do so but in ways that suit me and not what I've been told to do. In some sessions I'll do 100-200 and can do quite a few in a row without struggling much but I get just as much out of the Isometric versions without always going for reps. The Hybrid Push-Up variation from Overcoming Isometrics is my personal favorite and it's tough as shit as it builds strength from another perspective.

Before my 500 Rep Band Workout, I figured I'd see how my form was and do 25 in a row. I didn't focus so much on speed although I could explode up well, I rather focused on my control and balance. Safe to say it was one of the best sets I've ever done in quite a while. Were they completely flawless? Maybe not, there's always room for improvement but they were pretty fucking strict as best as I can make them and utilized tension in my back, legs and core while moving down to my chest to the floor and back up. 

See below.....

They weren't anything special, after all, they're just boring push-ups right? The truth is, if one wants to do 100's of them a day, that's awesome and it works for just about about anybody (emphasis on Just About) but for someone like me who likes to move things along and not spend a ton of time on them, I like to put my attention on creating the stimulus by performing them in a slower fashion, using as much tension as possible to move but only able to get 12-15 reps and I'd be spent for that set. Some like to do them in a partial format going as far as to only the mid point and back up doing Time Under Tension that way, I've done as many as 50-60 in a row doing that and it builds a hell of a pump. Guys like Mike Bruce do that and he's shredded while being in his 50's. It all depends on what you want to do.

Push-Ups is always going to be a classic and it's important to know them as a foundational and part aspect of strength training. If there was anyone that was the true GOAT of push-ups it's Jack Lalanne in my opinion, others like Herschel Walker & Mike Tyson were phenoms with them but Jack was in a class all by himself with the incredible things he did along with his inspiring training modalities. 

Use little progressions to build solid levels of strength but as long as you stick to the basics and focus on the technique and control of the movement beyond the numbers, you can go far. Here's a free guide to multiple variations from beginners to advanced with workouts and little challenges you can go for. Doesn't cost you an arm and a leg that some try to scam you on and don't have any real progressions that mean something. Some courses don't even give you a starting routine or how to progress to being able to do more, they just expect people to do whatever how many push-ups and determine how weak or strong someone is with no context other than calling them losers or worse. It's stupid and degrading.

Progress in your own time, once something becomes easy, do more or do a harder variation. A key thing to remember is, you always have room to grow, don't go to such extremes where the risk to injuries becomes greater. Train so you can minimize injuries. Some tend to push so hard themselves it's like they're asking to injure themselves on purpose. The hell kind of way is that to train? That's just needing to be on meds man. 

Be amazingly awesome and drop down and give me a few. See what's possible to build real world strength, not chase numbers to prove how above you are someone. 

The Unyielding Power of Dumbbell Training

In the realm of strength training, few tools rival the dumbbell's versatility, effectiveness, and raw, unadulterated power. These humble, yet mighty weights have been the cornerstone of countless physiques, from the chiseled gods of ancient Greece to the modern-day titans of the gym. Dumbbell training is more than just a form of exercise – it's a journey of self-discovery, a test of willpower, and a declaration of strength. Men such as Brooks Kubik, Arthur Saxon, Franco Columbu, Sig Klien, all used them and benefited them immensely.

The Unrivaled Benefits of Dumbbell Training

Dumbbells offer a multitude of benefits that set them apart from their machine-based counterparts. For one, they allow for a full range of motion, engaging stabilizer muscles and promoting functional strength that translates to real-life activities. This is particularly evident in exercises like the dumbbell shoulder press, where the absence of a fixed path forces the lifter to engage their core and stabilizers to maintain proper form.

Moreover, dumbbells are unilateral, meaning each arm or leg works independently. This unilateral nature helps identify and rectify strength imbalances, a common issue that can lead to poor posture, decreased athletic performance, and increased risk of injury. By strengthening each side individually, lifters can develop a more balanced physique and reduce their susceptibility to these issues.

Furthermore, dumbbells are incredibly versatile. With a single pair, one can perform dozens of exercises, targeting every major muscle group. From the classic dumbbell bicep curl to the more exotic dumbbell snatch, the possibilities are endless. This versatility makes dumbbells an ideal choice for those looking to streamline their workout routine without sacrificing effectiveness. For the most part, the basics will always be best.

The Mental Fortitude of Dumbbell Training

Dumbbell training isn't just about physical strength; it's also a mental gauntlet. The simplicity of dumbbells belies the complexity of the exercises and the mental toughness required to push through challenging workouts. As you stand in front of the mirror or sweating it out in your dungeon, dumbbells in hand, you're not just lifting weights – you're facing your fears, testing your resolve, and forging an unbreakable spirit.

The mental aspect of dumbbell training is often overlooked, but it's precisely this aspect that separates the champions from the mere mortals. The ability to focus, to push through in the face of fatigue, and to emerge stronger on the other side is a quality that transcends the gym and beyond. It's a quality that can be applied to every aspect of life, from the boardroom to the battlefield.

What Made Dumbbells Stand Out With The Old Timers Compared To Today?

The giants of yesteryear took Dumbbell Training a little differently. Although performed for aesthetic purposes in several cases, they were mainly pure strength builders as the physique was being developed. It was taken to a level where it wasn't merely relied on to build a body for the sake of bodybuilding, it tested the very best at their core to what strength truly meant in a time where muscle building was still a taboo thing. It wasn't like you can find a gym on every corner in the city, they were a secret sanctuary, a club for like minded men to harness their potential for being the strongest they can be. If you couldn't find a gym, you ordered the dumbbells through Mail-Order Courses that gave you a blueprint on how to develop your strength and physique, from the light work using tension made by Eugene Sandow, to building rugged muscle that used progressive overload by Bob Hoffman. 

Today, with more gyms (very few that matter) roaming around, there are more options than ever. This is a good thing but also has its flaws because in the Fitness Industry, things can be written using contradictions, scientific analysis that bares some merit but not fully as to what makes Dumbbell Training a tool for strength and not rinky dink aspects of group classes that involve weights lighter than a steel pipe. When it comes down to it, the old timers perfected the art but it has become a lost entity which we can reutilize to our advantage, to challenge our bodies but not kill ourselves in the process.

Being Smart About Dumbbell Training

It's important to understand the concept of how Dumbbells work to make you a powerful being. Like I said earlier, the basics work best and adapting to build on goals and developing the type of strength you want. Using too light of a weight and thinking you're going to turn into Superman isn't going to do much; on the other hand, using too heavy of a weight and thinking you're some bodybuilding resurrection of Ronnie Coleman, be prepared to be hurt and have trouble moving your body properly as you get older. It's about progression, alertness and understanding how to build the body while reducing injuries as much as possible. Strength through brains and brawn compared to just hoisting weight and hoping for the best. 

I would suggest investing in a home gym with Adjustable Dumbbells. You have options to get ones for lighter weights that could be useful and train that go up to 140 lbs, or you can get a set that goes up to a crazy amount of weight like 300 lbs and build strength that made men like Saxon, Grimek, Pearl & Park legends. Building strength that matters as opposed to just showing off what you can do. Stick to the basics such as presses, squats, pulls and grip work but also work on control, pace and weights that keep you strong; not just for muscularity but for health as well. 

For courses on the pure aspects of training with Dumbbells my suggestion is to check out Brooks Kubik's Books And Courses.....Mainly.

Dinosaur Training Secrets Vol. 1-3

Dinosaur Arm Training

Gray Hair & Black Iron (For Older Lifters)

Dinosaur Strength & Power Course #5 Dumbbell Training

And Dinosaur Dumbbell Training

Go kill it in your training endeavors and make the dumbbells work for you, not against you. Be healthy and amazingly awesome.