While surfing another corner of the web last week, I came across the One hundred push ups challenge (linked via The Elff Diet). The premise is simple: determine your starting level of push up fitness and then 3 days each week follow a progressive training program for your level and age. At the end of the 6 weeks, there’s a final test in which you shoot for 100 push ups.
I like simple. I like a challenge. I could use a little more upper body strength. And I like doing push ups: I don’t need to go to a gym or buy anything to do them, they’re fast and they work a lot of muscles including your arms, shoulders and abs. What’s not to love?
I decided to take the test yesterday to determine my starting level.
Oh oh.
Um.
It appears I like the idea of push ups more than I like actually doing them.
I can’t do a full push up. Not a single solitary sorry one. It was a toss-up which part of my body sent the fastest, loudest message to my brain that I should rethink this whole misbegotten idea. What a disgrace.
So, OK, it’s not all bad. I can do modified push ups – 6 of them in fact. Heh. So my progessive training program will involve working up from embarrassing to underwhelming to acceptable. Miracles have happened before.
Anybody care to join me in this torture?
OK, Aunt Diane. I’m game. We’ll have a push-up contest at the wedding in September. Game on!
Kim
It’s possible.
Because I, too, cannot do one normal push-up. I haven’t tested my modified pushup ability since I got pregnant. And Lucy’s six months old, so what does that tell you?
So…I’ll get home, see how embarrassing it is, and we’ll see.
Well I feel a little bit better because I can’t do a normal push up to save my life… I can only do about 15 of the girly ones on your knees… I’ll accept the challenge!!!
Game on indeed!! I have a very stubborn tummy pudge courtesy of Lauren that I have been trying like crazy to get rid of. So, I will add this to my exercise routine and see out it turns out. I just got back from yoga and am jell-o, so I will see how many push ups I can do tomorrow.
I can do 10 very modified push ups thanks to the local YMCA weight lifting classes this winter. Very modified means on the knees and I can’t get all the way to the floor. My nose is about 6 inches from the floor before I start to feel like I’m going to fall on it, but considering I couldn’t do even one of those in January it’s great progress. Contest on.
OK-so I managed 14 of the traditional and stopped right before my head was to explode! I’m up for the challenge, as I need to get back in shape desperately. This is just the kick in the butt I need and you all can hold me accountable! Plus, bragging rights to the winner is always a motivation too!!
I can do a several pilates push ups (elbows in), I think that counts! They are not comfortable for my wrists but I do it for my abs, ugh.
Thanks for the comment on my blog. Can’t wait for blueberry season, either! There will be no jam involved.
[...] started this challenge around July 1 and the best I could do then was 6 modified push [...]