Let’s jump in.

Stephen:

Wanted your take on pushups/pullups and training tips to maximize them. Training to go into Naval Special Warfare (SEALs) where a tremendous amount of calisthenics are necessary. Thoughts on wearing a weight vest or a resistance band to help build overall strength? Have also heard of using a spotter or band to help you through fatigued reps to build the overall endurance necessary for increased repetitions. Goal: 100 pushups and 25 pullups in a max set.

Stephen,

I respect your ambition. Wow.

If I was on a mission to simply maximize pushup and pull-up totals, I’d begin by increasing my base of muscle mass and strength (assuming I had the time). The best method I’ve personally experienced to accomplish that feat is the 5 x 5 workout program. There is plenty of science that suggests incrementally adding weight to the bar over the course of time contributes to gains in the aforementioned buckets. After building the base of lean tissue, I suggest shifting gears. Because the rep goals are so high, this becomes an exercise in endurance, not in strength. Moving less mass rather than more may be optimal, so shedding excess weight in the form of body fat makes logical sense. Ideally, you want to be accessing as much of your body weight as possible to produce sustained power over a matter of minutes, not seconds. With the optimal amount of accessible tissue, I’d start on a gradual buildup of reps with plenty of rest and recovery. I’d build reps over the course of weeks, driving myself to the point of near, but not total failure in each workout. Finally, if you can lock down the day you’ll perform, I’d suggest allocating two or three days of rest prior to allow for full tissue repair.

At every turn along your journey, be mindful of the value of sleep, proper nutrition and hydration. Trust that you build strength when you’re resting, not when you’re training and that hormone production occurs in lovely doses while you nap.

What an extraordinary goal. I envy you. Knock ’em dead.

Kap

Mike:

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on soba/buckwheat noodles. They seem to be a popular, healthier alternative to normal pasta but I tend to stay clear of noodles in general.

Mike,

In 2005, I spent several months living in Japan while playing for the Yomiuri Giants. A dish of soba noodles soaked in flavorful broth was part of my daily routine at the ballpark. Ahhhh, the glory days. At the time, I valued the protein content contained. From SFGate:

Buckwheat provides more protein per serving than any other grain except for oats, reports the Whole Grains Council. Each cup of cooked buckwheat noodles has 5.77 grams of protein, or approximately 12 percent of the RDA for a healthy adult following a 2,000-calorie diet.

I was also intrigued by the increased fiber in the buckwheat, along with some other potential health benefits.

Toady, I’m cognizant of avoiding any packaged, processed, preserved food, which most Soba noodles are. Even if they’re not packaged and made from scratch, they are constructed with buckwheat flour. I generally avoid all flour these days, instead opting for whole foods in their natural form.

I must tell you, however, that I dig the thought of a planned indulgence revolving around a soba noodle feast. I’m imagining escaping from life for a few hours to a hole in the wall bar in Osaka, sweating from the spice and cooling off with a nearly frozen beer. No computer, no newspaper. I don’t speak Japanese, so no conversation. Just me and the flavors.

Wait, this was about you, wasn’t it? Yes, I’d consider Soba noodles an improvement on your standard variety white pasta.

Kap

What do you have for me today?