Think you can plank? Not anymore...

I love isometrics and body weight exercises. Simple challenges and practical movements. Better strength use in the real world.

Was looking at up-weighting a kettlebell and found these little bundles of agony:

Neuro Grips from DragonDoor

I used to be able to knock out push ups and planks with the best of them. Until now...

The balance and concentration necessary to use these things is tremendous. I could barely do one push up and could hardly even last a minute with a plank.
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That looks like a challenge...that I have zero interest in.

Good luck with that!

 

Looks like a bunch of busted knuckles, if not broken wrists, just waiting to happen.
Seriously, how in the world do you keep from hurting yourself if you lose balance??

 

You stop, drop and roll (and hope you don't knock some teeth out)

 

I had the exact same thoughts.

 

I made something similar and they are the only push ups I do anymore. Yes, it is much harder and yes, it can be a little dangerous. But when I exercise I want to work out the most muscles I can and I want it to be harder, not easier. As a rock climber, or anyone wanting to increase forearm and grip strength these do that at the same time you're working the normal muscles involved in regular push ups.

In climbing, you often know when your strength is failing and you have time to retreat or at least fall in a controlled manner. The same is true with these push ups. Once you're used to them, you wouldn't without warning fall over and break your wrist, you just get tired and stop.

Anyway, they're great and have the side benefit of getting revenge on those that can do way more regular push ups than I can. The first time they try these they don't do so well, and I win a beer.

 

I'm happy just using my rotating grips, thanks!

I'm up to 100/day with them.

 

Just wondering what age you are. Of course, as we age we need to modify our routines. I'm 60 have been concentrating on body weight movement exercises since the Ford Pinto and find that as time goes on using less specialized equipment means easy access and universal availability to continue exercising. Looks like a tough set to get through, have fun.

 

For a more challenging pushup, with zero risk, while also triggering plenty of stabilizers, I use the bosu ball, with the flat side up and a neutral grip on the edge.

I do a standard set to start and then modify it with lower rep sub-sets (say 10-20 reps) with either a bench or boxes under my feet, to change the angle and weight distrib. It recruits lots of stabilizers, and I can really feel a burn.

 

Reviving this thread a bit...

I am back trying to get my fitness where it needs to be (just turned 50).

I am doing a burpee challenge...increasing number of burpees over the course of 100 days. Day 1, you do 1, day 50 you do 50. Until you hit 100. Then you can quit if you like.

So, am now adding in the burpees to my regular activity and just love how they let you feel.

 

It's a little like self tourture! haha

 

So do you do squats in 4" heels too.....?

 

In a similar vein....

The Bongo can be used for push ups....
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Beckford Bar
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I do 200 push-ups M/W/F. 5 Sets--standard, heart (or Hershey kiss--hands together), incline, and decline (using stairs in my house). I've been thinking about using something to increase the muscles needed (basically something somewhat destabilizing)--some good ideas here already. I've thought about doing them with a weight vest on, but at 55 I'm thinking my shoulders would rather that I didn't.