Heavy dumbbells?
Hello,
I have a PT test coming up that requires the full Cooper standard (sit-ups, push-ups and 1.5 mile run).
I'm trying to find a way to securely anchor my feet to practice sit ups without a training partner. The obvious choices are under a bed or couch, but mine aren't the right height for this.
Your suggestions are welcome.
Thank you,
Heavy dumbbells?
Other than dumbbells, why can you not make the bed/couch work for you?
Shove your shins forward under the bed/couch until they catch. A sit up position has the knees at the edge of the hypotenuse created by the shins. Unless the underside of the bed/couch is taller than your knees, you should be fine.
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Thanks for the tips, Rip and Andrew.
Striking out, on my end. I found that my feet were still able to lift up with 20 lb dumbbells and with shins under the edge of the bed. Amazon currently sells a product that holds the floor with a suction cup, but it doesn't look too strong.
Could it possibly be that 20-pound dumbbells are not heavy enough? Something to consider.
How about you not anchor at all and actually use your abdominal muscles.
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Thank you.
Rip, agreed that heavier DBs would have been the next logical step. I got creative and managed to rig up an old bench press pad under my bed frame. It wedges the feet down sufficiently.
JD, your post suggests that anchoring is the wrong choice. I’m just trying to mimic the test conditions as closely as possible and pass the test. No plans to continue these long-term.
If heavier dumbbells are not an option, you may be able to play on the moment arm by reducing knee bend.
Interesting idea, Balrog. I toyed with knee angle today.
On the topic of PT exams and sit-ups, does anyone have general suggestions about frequency on these? I've considered doing them every weekday morning - the premise being that they're not nearly as taxing as heavy compound lifts and it's more about building a motor skill. The other consideration is to do them 2-3 X per week, under the premise that the muscles engaged require rest and recovery like any other muscles. Open to suggestions from those who have been through this before. Thank you,