Building up pecs by doing only push-ups?

Question

I'm generally fit and active, doing a lot of cycling a soccer. I'd like to build up my pecs a little (only my pecs), but don't want to go to a gym. If I can manage 1 set of 10 push-ups now, how many sets should I do, and how often. Books on body building talk of only working one muscle group once or twice a week max, but doing a few sets of push-ups that doesn't take more than five minutes only once a week sounds like a bit of a joke. What happens if I try doing them everyday, would this be overtraining?

Answer 1

Yes, you would be overtraining them. try doing them every 3 days. Do them very slow and deliberate. When you are in the down position, flex and hold for 3 seconds and when you are in the up, do the same thing. Try 3 sets of 10. They are harder than you think. Once you can do these easier, just go to 15, then after that add weight packs to your back. You will never need to do more than 3 sets of 15.

Answer 2

Hey, push ups can be done everyday. It's not weight lifting!

I am a martial artist for 13 years, and I can tell you: the more push ups, the better.

Ok, the truth: 10 push up a day is a beginner level.

Like everything in life, you must have a PLAN.

Write down your PLAN.

The best thing in the beginning is 1 day push ups, and 1 day rest.

Continue with 10.

Try to make more series of 10; let's say 3 (Do not sheat, do them properly)

If you can't do 3* 10, do 3*5 (you see the picture). What is important is to be regular in your reps and series.

After 1 week, if you was doing 3 series of 10 reps, just add 1 rep for each serie. You will do: 3*11.

The third week, add a rep: 3*12, and so on.

The 4th week: continue with 3*12

The 5th week: Add a serie: now you will do: 4*12. if you can't: do 4*10.

Stick to this program, and you will succeed. Try to find a partner to motivate you.

Answer 3

as with anything start out slow. 10 is fine the 1st week,the next week do 15(make these 3 times a week). the next weekdo 20 and so on. but, i reccommend variations,such as hands shoulder width apart on some ,hands medium on some, and hands close together on others. hits different parts of the chest that way.