I remember a time in my life when I did not do a single pull-up for what seemed like ages (it was about a month- gasp!)
I’ve written of course about the time when I did not do any pushups for years, and how it HIT me when I finally started back up again (despite already being damn good at pull-ups).
Now, during this time I did pushups.
Plenty of ‘em.
And I really, really focused on handstand pushups.
Done in sets.
Done throughout the day.
And so forth.
I was really busy at the time doing a LOT of writing – sort of like I’ve been over the past few weeks NOW (and I dont predict it getting better any time soon, hehe).
And so I was knocking out mini workouts like I so often advocate.
When I went back to pull-ups, and I wrote about this I believe, I expected to effortlessly rock back into doing ‘em.
Not so my friend.
The first day I was amazed at how “different” it felt - and this BE the pull-up MASTER talking, hehe.
Not hard.
Different.
Funny part is this, tho ...
Once I got back to the park the second time to do ‘em, I started banging them out again with little or no “effort”.
And the thick bars, static holds – all came ROARING back with a vengeance, and then some.
Took all of three workouts, or two I should say to get back to BETTER than normal.
So, lesson here?
Or lessons?
THREE.
One, muscle memory doesn’t go away if you train RIGHT. (no, the pumping and toning at the gym won’t build any sort of decent muscle memory. Sorry, but it’s true).
Second, pushups are of VITAL importance to any exercise program, and there is a reason why I call pushups the best exercise ever, and the BIG DOG of fitness in the 0 Excuses Fitness System.
Get good at pushups, and you’ll improve at everything else, but the reverse isn’t necessarily true.
And hence, I put out the supplementary exercises section in my books and course on pull-ups, both the elementary one (which is more than enough for most, to be honest) and the advanced course.
Super advanced be on the way too, hehe. Watch this space for more (i fyou’re interested in that!).
There is a reason though you see wrestlers and boxers pump out a ton of pushups, but lesser number for pull-ups.
Not saying they’re not good.
They are! One of the best exercises you can ever do!
But, pushups, pushups, pushups. Like I keep saying, hehe. Can’t be ignored!
(Not if you’re serious about real strength , health and fitness, not necessarily in that order).
And third?
Handstand pushups help to build pulling ability WAY more than you’d think if done right, and thats why I advocate doing them the way I do in my books – completely opposite to what most people think it should be like, but again, there is a reason.
And fourth?
Well, a lot of you love my books in paperback format.
And as of now, all of my stuff is digital (because it seems MANY people love it digital as well, especially the videos etc).
But as a bonus for purchasing off my site, and this is something you guys may or may not have noticed, I include a “faq” manual (an entire tiny course unto itself, really) along with Shoulders Like Boulders, for one, which is yours free if you buy off the site in digital format.
On Amazon etc you’ll have to fork out a tiny bit extra for it ... which is fine, of course, if you prefer it that way.
But I believe in giving those that buy off the site – as well as other loyal customers – a BENEFIT ... and that is the benefit here!
Alright, my friend. I’m out for now. Back soon – I’m sure! Hehe/
Best,
Rahul Mookerjee
PS – I talk a lot, but believe me, DO what I say, and you WILL become a better YOU – and the fittest you’ve ever been.