To maximize your upper body training you should be supersetting, giant setting, and/or getting bicep pumps before pressing.
A few sets of 10 or 1-2 high rep sets on the machine preacher curl heightens pullup training, and makes the dip groove more smooth.
Mixing pushups in with freestanding handstand work adds a muscular effect, making it bodybuilding, and skill.
A pair of dumbbells allows the biceps to get in with the two as a giant set.
You want the dumbell weight to be one that allows for peak contraction.
You’re trying to get the muscular effect.
Going straight into weighted pushups, a person standing on your back, is performance at anytime ability.
Starting from the bottom I did a pushup with a 175lb guy standing on my back today. No plate loading beforehand. Straight into it.
That’s roughly a 345 bench, bottom position, “cold”.
Cold – the true strength.
Frankly the weighted pushup plus a standing 175lb human was easy. I attempted to double it.
What’s crazy is how full body it is too.
I feel the part of the quad that hockey players develop big time by skating.
As came up in conversation :
A human flag needs only a small amount of pullup and handstand pushup ability assuming ab strength is there.
The one arm pushup is rather easy. Twist down trying to touch your shoulder to your hand, then corkscrew back up.
Persistence & Tenacity