ephion comments on Open thread for December 24-31, 2013 - Less Wrong

4 Post author: NancyLebovitz 24 December 2013 08:58AM

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Comment author: ephion 31 December 2013 07:07:48PM 1 point [-]

Bodyweight squats really don't have enough load on the hip extensors to work them adequately. Even the barbell squat mostly targets the quadriceps (full depth Olympic/front squats involves the glutes a lot, and squatting low bar powerlifting-style involves the hamstrings).

Incline pushups (ie with your feet on a box) will involve more deltoids and less pectoralis. By continually increasing the incline, you can progress the difficulty of the exercise until you're doing handstand pushups.

The recommendation I make for folks is to buy an adjustable dumbbell set. Small cash investment, minimal space investment, and adds a bunch of exercises you can do. I've expanded the set with a pair of 10s and a quad of 25s, so the max weight I can put on a handle is 125lbs, and it holds up great.