Push/pull workouts are a training program that alternates between pushing and pulling movements.
Bodybuilders and strength athletes popularized the push/pull workout in the 1940s and '50s. These athletes would perform exercises to develop their upper bodies without worrying about bulking up other parts of their physiques—especially since bulking up has traditionally been seen as feminine or "unmasculine" in Western culture.
In recent years, interest in push-pull workouts has surged among powerlifters who want to improve their performance on both lifts (squatting, deadlifting). During heavy lifting sessions, these movements require a strong core to support muscles like the biceps, triceps, and shoulders. It's also worth noting that some cross-training programs also use Push/Pull concepts!
Push/pull workouts are a training program that alternates between pushing and pulling movements.
Push/pull workouts are a training program that alternates between pushing and pulling movements. Push/pull workouts have their roots in the bodybuilding community, but they're also popular among powerlifters, who typically use them to prepare for competitions involving both lifts.
These programs often involve three sets of eight repetitions on each exercise (8 x 8). In others, you might find four or five sets instead. Some programs even prescribe only two sets per exercise!
Bodybuilders and strength athletes popularized the push/pull workout in the 1940s and '50s.
Bodybuilders and strength athletes popularized the push/pull workout in the 1940s and '50s. Bodybuilders were interested in building muscle mass, while weightlifters wanted to build strength. Both groups used this type of training because it allowed them to focus on specific muscle groups without overtraining or risking injury due to excessive volume (the number of sets performed).
The upper body includes arms, chest, shoulders, and back; these areas are worked during a push workout. Push movements include bench presses and lat pull-downs (a seated row exercise). Pull movements include deadlifts and bicep curls (a curl using dumbbells).
Push/pull workouts focus on building muscle endurance, but they can also help you build muscle mass and strength if you include high-weight, low-repetition sets as part of your routine.
Push/pull workouts focus on building muscle endurance, but they can also help you build muscle mass and strength if you include high-weight, low-repetition sets as part of your routine.
Push/pull workouts are designed to focus on one muscle group at a time. For example, if you're doing a push workout with dumbbells or barbells, the exercise selection will be limited to mostly upper-body exercises. If you're doing a pull workout with dumbbells or barbells (or both), the exercise selection will be limited to mostly lower body and core movements.
While push/pull workouts were popularized by bodybuilders who wanted to develop their upper bodies without sacrificing lower body development, they aren't just for weightlifters; other types of cross-training may also incorporate them as part of a bigger fitness plan.
Push/pull workouts are best for people who want to develop their upper body (arms, chest, shoulders, and back) without worrying about adding bulk to other body parts.
Push/pull workouts are best for people who want to develop their upper body (arms, chest, shoulders, and back) without worrying about adding bulk to other body parts. This training can help you build muscle endurance and strength without adding extra pounds. Push/pull workouts aren't just for weightlifting; other types of cross-training may also incorporate them as part of a bigger fitness plan. For example: If you're looking to improve your golf game or tennis serve without bulking up your lower half, incorporating some push/pull exercises into your routine might be helpful!
Push/pull workouts have their roots in the bodybuilding community, but they're also popular among powerlifters, who typically use them to prepare for competitions involving both lifts.
Push/pull workouts have their roots in the bodybuilding community, but they're also popular among powerlifters, who typically use them to prepare for competitions involving both lifts. Bodybuilders use push/pull workouts to build muscle mass and strength, while powerlifters use them to build muscle strength and endurance.
Push/pull workouts are useful for weightlifting (and other cross-training), but you can also use them if you're not interested in competing or getting super jacked. If you're looking for a new way to boost your fitness routine without getting bored by the same old routine every time, this might be it!
Push-pull workouts aren't just for weightlifting; other types of cross-training may also incorporate them as part of a bigger fitness plan.
Push/pull workouts are not just for weightlifters; other types of cross-training may also incorporate them as part of a bigger fitness plan.
For example, you could use push/pull workouts in combination with running or cycling to improve your body composition and overall health by building muscle mass while improving cardiovascular endurance. Or you could use it as part of an interval training program (for example, sprinting on the treadmill) that focuses on increasing speed and power output over time.
With so many different options available to you, there's no reason why anyone should feel limited by their current workout routine: whether you're looking for more strength or flexibility, trying out new exercises at home, or simply trying out something different from your usual routine--push/pull training is one way to get started!
Push/pull workouts can be useful for people who want to strengthen specific areas of their upper body while avoiding bulking up elsewhere.
Push/pull workouts are a training program that alternates between pushing and pulling movements. They're best for people who want to develop their upper body (arms, chest, shoulders, and back) without worrying about adding bulk to other parts of the body. Push/pull workouts have their roots in the bodybuilding community, but they're also popular among powerlifters: people who train specifically for competitions involving both lifts.
Conclusion
Push/pull workouts are a great way to build muscle endurance and strength in the upper body without worrying about adding bulk elsewhere. They're also popular among powerlifters, who use them to prepare for competitions involving both lifts. If you want to try this training program out for yourself, start with one or two sets of each exercise before moving on to three or four sets.
