I have started training recently in order to pass a military PFT, and I want to do as well as possible in the push-up/sit-up events.
The sit-up event consists of as many sit-ups as you can do in a given time frame. Push-ups are as many as you can do until muscle failure.
My question is this…is it better to do about 200 sit-ups in as few sets as possible (5 sets of 40) or do more, possibly 400, in more sets (16 sets of 25)? Or does it really matter? The same question goes for possible push-up workouts as well.
I would like to gain reps as quickly as possible, while utilizing my workout time as efficiently as possible.
Does anyone have any insight? Thank you all so very much for any time and information that you might be able to give. If this question is touched on in another thread, feel free to point me in the right direction.
My friend just passed his test this winter. He ran then did as many push-ups and sit-ups in a row that he could muster. I think training similar to how you will test is best.
Do you know if he did that workout multiple times per day? Or perhaps how much he rested (i.e. in between days)?
I must profess I am not as knowledgable in things like how many days of rest are necessary or how many sets are most efficient. So any input is greatly appreciated.
I know he did it 3-5 times a week. I know him and he is no athlete. Nor does he like physical activity. He’s not overweight, he would just rather spend his time differently.
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Just got off the phone with him.
His main goal was to lose 30 lbs (he was 6’6", 260). His thought was, “if I’m lighter, than everything will be easier.”
He ran 1.5 miles/day. Took a stopwatch and timed how many push-ups he could do in a mintue. Rested, then did 2 more sets. Each week he would try to add 5 more push-ups then the previous week.
He didn’t train sit-ups or vertical jump because he met the requirements.
Hope that helps. I think you need to train to surpass the minimum. Then, if you have a bad day, you will still be able to pass.
i’d suggest trying to do some weighted push ups/sit ups if you can sometimes. mix it up every now and then. or do push ups with heels elevated etc etc. you get the idea.
after i do a set of weighted sit ups, doing regular ones seem to be really easy and really fast too.
and of course, lower your body fat percentage.
dont worry too much about recovering, as long as you dont do 1000 push ups a day you should be fine