If you could only do one upper body exercise

[pano amo]

Would I be right in assuming press-ups are unmatched for the number of upper body muscles they impact. Is there anything better? Assuming you don't use gym weights.

[shouldbworking]

pano amo said:

Would I be right in assuming press-ups are unmatched for the number of upper body muscles they impact. Is there anything better? Assuming you don't use gym weights.

Depend's what you mean by upper body exercise. A lot of people say 'upper body' when they mean arms. You'd probably be better off saying what you can't use (I'm assuming injury) and then get suggestions from there

[pano amo]

Thankfully no injuries. I do a lot of running and would like to compliment that with some upper body work. I'm short on time (priority goes to running) so gym no good plus I don't like gyms. Instead of doing a home training plan with bells etc I was looking for something I can do anywhere.

[Stevenj214]

Chin ups must be up there. Not easy to do anywhere though.

[tobster]

Get a pull up bar that can go on a door frame. Will work most of your upper body

[B3njamin]

I quite like pull ups in honesty. You don't need much equipment, doesn't take up any room and can be done anywhere by improvising. Add extra weight if it's getting too easy and/or add reps to make it a little harder.

For sheer simplicity and portability, press ups.

[Stu R]

Pull ups / press ups / dips.

[pano amo]

thanks. Someone told me that you should only do press-ups with press-up bars. Not using them will put undue strain on your wrists. Nonsense?

I think I'll try those chin bars.

[Stu R]

Do them on your knuckles - great for strengthening not only the bone in the knuckles, but the wrists, forearms, triceps, chest etc etc.

[Animal]

It would have to be muscle-ups.

[RemainAllHoof]

Wide pull ups (as opposed to chin ups) with leg raises. (Really suffering from them today after doing them yesterday.)

[RemainAllHoof]

Animal said:

It would have to be muscle-ups.

Do you use momentum to get yourself up?

[goldblum]

Pull ups use more upper body muscles than any other.

Muscle ups are a 'harder' technique to acquire but once learnt use less back and more triceps,and momentum plays a part.

[Stu R]

I haven't seen Muscle-Ups before. They look pretty evil.

[RemainAllHoof]

Ah ha! I did wonder. I watched a youtube video and could see when the guy got tired, he moved his body in a "wave". I've been using this kind of technique to launch myself upwards with just my hands to the next holds (climbing wall).

Sadly, I can't try muscle ups at home without putting my head through the ceiling.

Edited by RemainAllHoof on Sunday 13th March 23:52

[996 sps]

If the question is what would be my one only choice of an upper body exercise it would have to be ropes approx 30ft high. Now if it has to be a house hold type exercise then heaves/chin ups would be my choice.

[micky g]

A punch bag takes some beating...

[Driller]

Renagade pushups.

[996 sps]

Renegade master.

[EarlOfHazard]

micky g said:

A punch bag takes some beating...

pun intended?