Originally Posted by
travelerman
Now the question becomes, Do you lift for strength, or endurance; in other words, less weight with more reps, or more weight with fewer reps? I still haven't figured out this one... After half a year of using a home gym, I am still only able to perform a certain number of push-ups, and my upper-body looks nearly the same as it did six months ago (with the exception of some more definition and varicosity on my arms).
As always, YMMV, especially if you are under-40; I'm 48, and having a hell of a time building new muscle...
One thing I know is just how little I know on this subject, but I have several threads running on different forums, talking to doctors, and reading my butt off. (I am also just a little sore from yesterday, so...)
Let me ask a couple questions and maybe I will find the answer to your issue while I am working on mine.
Are you very lean?
Are you eating right? ( Try using Myfitnesspal.com. Listing out what I ate really helped me.)
Are you taking vitamins?
Do you use the weights 3 times a week (regularly)?
What did you decided on reps, sets? Is it consistent or variable?
Are you slowly working up to heavier weights?
When you say you can only do "certain number of push-ups", do you mean under a time limitation (endurance) or just that is it and I need a rest (strength)?