What do push-ups & pull-ups achieve?

[JohnCU]

Do they increase your arm muscle size or what?

 

[ChinamanatNCSU]

I think they work more of your pecs and shoulders than your arms, but I could be wrong. Didn't listen too hard in PE class

 

[Smacksmackums]

they increase strength. they make you stronger.

 

[LordMaul]

Either way, you end up a little higher off the ground.

 

[CrazyHelloDeli]

You're alot better off doing dumbells, take it from me, im not 6'7 240lbs from doing sit-ups and pull-ups

 

[JohnCU]

what should I do to increase the size of the muscles in my arms? (Preferably something I can do easily at home, without buying any expensive equipment...)

 

[clarkmo]

ask rosy over, over and over.

 

[Smacksmackums]

Push ups, pull ups, curls. You can buy a little dumbell for cheap and do all sorts of crap with that.

 

[Ornery]

I think it's all pretty lame. Anybody that wants to do that kind of stuff ought to lay block or apply roofing, like shingles. You'll get quite a "workout" that way doing something constructive, learning a trade, and make decent money for your trouble!

 

[Kaervak]

So people that want to keep themselves in shape/improve strength/tone their muscles are lame because they do it by exercise? Well damn, looks like I've thrown away a lot of my life then.

 

[Ornery]

"...keep themselves in shape/improve strength/tone their muscles..."

Hey, there's a whole industry built around treadmills, weight machines, jogging shoes, ab developers... I'm sure it's all good

I'm saying, instead of lifting a set of free weights, lift some shingles up on a roof or place some concrete blocks. Make some money and do something constructive with that time!

 

[Novgrod]

If you want to get bigger, I'll give you the same advice i give on every thread of this nature: eat protein and carbos, and eat a lot.

Do multi-joint lifts with freeweights.

Good lifts include (if you don't know what they are PM me) in order of importance:

[lower]

Squats

dead lifts

[upper]

Dips

Pullups/pull-downs

horizontal row/standing row

chest press/shoulder press

If you want big fat arms, add curls and tricep extensions.

 

[StageLeft]

<< "...keep themselves in shape/improve strength/tone their muscles..."

Hey, there's a whole industry built around treadmills, weight machines, jogging shoes, ab developers... I'm sure it's all good

I'm saying, instead of lifting a set of free weights, lift some shingles up on a roof or place some concrete blocks. Make some money and do something constructive with that time! >>

So you're saying that instead of spending 30 min in the gym lifting weights a few times a week I should get a weekend job lifting shingles and laying bricks? I don't think so! Apart from the fact that would be a sucky time weights are, bar none, the most effective way to build mass. This is why they are the primary form of excercise for bodybuildings and world class weight lifters.

Pushups: Chest, tris, shoulders
Pullups: Back, bis

Of course if that's all you do you're never going to look particularly good; you need a well balanced program.

 

[Ornery]

"...the most effective way to build mass..."

For what reason? And to think these guys are squawking about women's fascination with hair coloring!