Is the intensity of upperbody series too hard?

Hi everybody,

Been doing F1 for a cpl of months, but the only one that doesn't seem to progress the way other elements do is the ability to gain strength, especially the HBP (push ups). I was thinking can it be too intensity since it's kind of maximum power and there isn't really breaks which means the quality and the reps are affected due to high muscle soreness? Also if you're stuck in one step you end up doing high rep workouts week after week in order to get the level of mastery needed to get to the next step, but isn't it more effective to sometimes do less reps but harder exercise to gain strength over stamina, or more sets (like 6x4 reps instead of 4x6 if you are able to perform 6x4 with good form but unable to do 6x4 altho it's the same amount of reps)?
This pondering comes from my background which is gym, where you cycle the reps and sets more often, and every 4th week (usually) do very low reps with high weights.
Also if im doing for example SL/PE3 step 9, how should I warm up? What if I'm still stuck in PE1?

And one last thing that has been a little bit problematic: SL/PE 4 (Arch up) is a very hard exercise to do at home so is there any alternatives? 
 

Hi Samu,

Great questions! For your HBP training, you must keep proper form and tempo on each rep. If you are unable to, then select hard and you will be dropped down a step. To ensure your execution is correct, submit form checks or video reviews. 

If you are on SL/PE3, you can choose to warmup with a set SL/PE1 or SL/PE2: https://my.gymnasticbodies.com/f-warmup/

For SL/PE4, the GB Back Strap and door hangar are one solution: https://www.gymnasticbodies.com/gear/

You can also use a bench or box and either have someone hold your feet or tuck your legs underneath something heavy like a dumbbell rack. There are other crafty alternative is the F1 forum that should be easily found with the search function. 

Hope this helps!

If you are finding the intensity too much then reduce your workout frequency so you are fully recovered. This can be easily tested by adding in one extra rest day and if your push ups are easier you will know that you are training too often.