After you've read this, tell me if you agree. I am especially interested in hearing from those who have actually tried and or still do what I refer to as barrier pushups.

I believe that those of us in security owe it to ourselves, those we work with, and those whom we are charged to protect, to stay as fit as possible. Over the years, I've had several (actually, more than that) people I work with ask me if I workout with weights. During the course of discussion (discussions usually ensue with me when exercise is a topic) almost invariably pushups, pull-ups and dips is dragged into the discussion. While I enjoy all three -- four if you include weights -- I have concluded that barrier pushups (becuse I used the blast barriers as my floor), push-ups performed at an inclined position, is a preferred method and actually nets greater overall results. Of course, one could use any table, countertop, or any other protruding surface conducive to an inclined pushup.

I used to be a fan of power lifting. Or, at least I subscribed to the notion that a 10-rep set (15 max) was the ideal type of workout per station. Over the years, however, I realized that if one strives to improve during their workout they will eventually surpass 10-15 reps doing pushups, pull-ups and dips. I know I did. As my repetitions increased so did my muscle growth and definition.

Being married with children and working one or more jobs makes working out with weights on a regular enough basis as to sustain results challenging. Time, or the lack thereof, is often the deciding factor. Lately, I have discovered that I can do 200-300 barrier pushups per set (up, initially, from 60-100) 3-4 times during my primary job at an expenditure of approximately 5-minutes per set. So, for an overall investment of approximately 15-25 minutes per day, say 2-3 days per week (as I still workout with weights 3-4 days per week), I am not only getting a more rounded workout but, overall, a much better workout. I truly am not bragging as I am no more narcissistic than the next guy, but I must admit the initial, overall results are favorable. As a result, I have incorporated the repetition scheme into my weights workout, albeit, not quite as repetetive as with the pushups.

And no, I don't, and never have, used any sort of muscle enhancement -- unless you include protein powder as a muscle enhancer.

Any feedback is appreciated.

well,this is one area where i don't argue with someone as serious as you seem on the subject.this is along the same lines of me not arguing about politics,religion,and abortion as well.whatever you beleive is what you'll beleive no matter how strong a case i argue against it or otherwise.all i have to say is"to each his own".if it works for you than good.i did something similar in iraq due to the fact we were part of the initial push so we didnt have weights or a fancy gym.all i did were pushups and situps.i can say i got definition but not any strength.now,fast forward to today 5 1/2 years later.i work out at the gym no more than an hour a day and can one rep max 345 bench press along with doing the same amount of pushups i used to do in the iraq days.i integrate the pushups into the regular 2 minute army drill at the end of my workouts.thats just what works for me and only my 2 cents.

Funny, my Dad is fond of saying that a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.

345-pounds, huh? Dang! You've apparently gained quite a bit since I saw you last.

Yes, I agree that not all things work equally as well for all. I think much depends on the persons body type and the results the person wants to achieve.

I guess I was trying to argue the merits of a refined method of pushups that, in my experience, nets greater results than the standard pushup. Plus, when in a non-gym setting, one could do the barrier pushups without getting down in the dirt or on the rocks. And, as you noted, yet another method for achieving, or maintaining, desired results when no traditional exercise equipment is available.

I was hoping that taking a discussion I have had many times with people might be beneficial to anyone who visits this board and who would like to exercise when no traditional exercise equipment is available.

By the way, what is this Army 2-minute drill?

oh,yeah,i guess i was reading it slightly wrong,sorry.first,yeah,i gained quite a bit.all natural though,nothing like some of the others,you know.also,in the army,we called them elevated pushups(same thing) and yep,they are more beneficial.when i said 2 minute drill,i was reffering to the pt test.it consisted of 2 minutes of pushups,2 minutes of situps,followed by 2 mile run.for the 2 minutes,you are doing as many as you possible can.

Yeah, you did. Probably my bad as I did not do a good job clarifying.

Wow, that 2-minute drill sounds as though it would be a good PT.

Yeah, saw your pic in the dungeon. Working north has apparently been beneficial to you. Liked the snow-who!

Do you have time to practice unarmed defensives up there? Are there people whose job it is to provid that training? Does your company encourage such participation?

yeah,we have a whole side of the house whos sole purpose it is to provide training.i was in a seperate program for 4 months were i was imbedded directly with certain types of military in tagab valley at a small 20 man camp so i made use of the range almost every day(free ammo).plus,these guys new thier stuff when it came to defense so i soaked all of it up.my company just has to many guys to look after so the training will come in spurts.

Wow, very nice. Sure would like to be there. Oh well, maybe one day.

Spot,
Apparently you have through your own devices found out a great way to increase the benefits of incline pushups. These not only are great for forcing more blood to your chest area, the actual science behind both incline and decline pushups is actually very interesting. Much like the process of pulling a bow string, compound or otherwise, your body has certain muscles it works while doing a normal pushup. Pulling a bow string or incline/decline pushups actually forces your body into using muscles and ligaments it normally does not ask to contribute while say doing a normal bench press or pushup.
You actually are using about 70 different muscles to assist you in incline/decline pushups. It has taken me a while to figure this out and actually incorporate into my normal chest routine. The results are well worth the effort.
Stay Healthy
Gavin