Pushups are harder than they look.
24 Feb
Today, I decided that I was going to start the One Hundred Pushups Challenge. Basically, it’s a program that has you work your way, over the course of a number of weeks, to 100 push ups. Three times per week, you set out to do more and more sets of push ups until you are doing 100 in one workout!
The first day, you determine how many push ups you can handle until your arms start trembling and you basically collapse in a heap on the floor. How many push ups could I manage? None. I could not even do one push up.
I was so angry. Furious. Completely and utterly frustrated. Mad beyond belief. I was so determined to do this challenge and work my way up but holy crap I didn’t realize how hard push ups really are. I don’t think I’ve tried to do a push up since I was in elementary school.
So I dragged my butt to the gym and angry walked two miles on the damn treadmill. Angry walking is still a hell of a workout. Maybe after I do that for a few months I’ll be able to do a push up. Push ups haven’t seen the last of me. This challenge isn’t coming off my 101 list.
I’m still fuming mad, though. I’ll keep angry walking until I can do those damn push ups. I was even going to post my GRRFACE but my camera battery died.
Here is a picture from a while back. It would probably be like this, except ANGRIER.
Pushups are still out of my league and might be for awhile. I have very little flexibility in my left wrist still so having to keep a hand flat on the ground with your arm at a 90 degree angle AND weight on it? PASS!
I might actually take up on this challenge but do sit ups instead. Although my main focus has been trying to walk down stairs without going one step at a time. Trying to rebuild strength in my knee without being able to go to a gym with other equipment has been proving difficult.
Although don’t fret too much over not being able to do a push up. Even in my most energetic, athletic days, push ups were still a rarity for me.. At least doing them the PROPER way. I could do them in other variations but I don’t think that really counts?
I’d do some arm training to build up your upper body strength then plunge into your push up challenge. Might be a bit easier! :)
Pushups and I don’t get along. My entire family lacks arm and back musculature, but really, I’ve neever had my arms/back in shape. Not even in volleyball. Don’t lose faith! You used to pitch softball, I bet those muscles are still there just waiting to come back. :D
Yeah, I hate pushups too. I fail every time I try. So I don’t bother. I’m working my arms too at the gym and I’m using 20lb weights for my biceps, and after 20 or so repeats I’m sore. Damn it! And don’t even get me started about the state of my triceps. They’re just pathetic!
I know someone who did this when I was in college! She couldn’t do any to start with either, but she trained by starting in the up position (like a yoga plank) and letting herself down to the ground as slowly as she could. She also did push-ups while on her knees so that she was building all the right muscles. Since you have access to a gym you’ll probably want to do some chest press exercises, either on one of the machines or with free weights. :) You can do it!!
Man pushups are hard bahaha. I can manage 5 girl pushups and 1 man pushup. Maybe I should invest some of the time I spend eating into some fitness…. xP
I loathe pushups. I have terrible upper body strength, so I was surprised when I was able to pull off enough pushups to pass my PT test in boot camp!
Running isn’t going to help you with pushups, though. You need to work on building arm, back and core strength. I can’t recall any specific exercises that would help in those cases since it’s been so long since I’ve really worked out, but I’m sure you could find some if you look up pushup exercises or something :)
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you couldn’t get one out. There are a lot of people who have a hard time with them or just can’t do them at all. It’s not a statement about your fitness as a whole, trust me.
Ewwww, push-ups… I can do 10, max, before my body starts screaming for mercy and shuts down. Well, okay, not really that dramatic, but the shaking and collapsing in a heap thing doesn’t feel nice at all. I prefer to keep my exercise pleasant, because once it starts hurting, it stops being fun, and I stop doing it.
Good luck with your project! Push ups are hard so you shouldn’t beat yourself up for not being able to do any yet. You’ll get there! :)
Hehe, your GRR face is very threatening. Maybe it’ll get those arms of yours motivated :3
I can’t do a single pushup either. When I have to do pushups, I do them the girly way. I think that’s the way when you are on your knees? I can do about three until my arms wibble around and I collapse.
Perhaps the pressure to do the challenge subconsciously aided it today, don’t give up! Like you’ve said as long as you’re trying it’ll get easier and easier. The treadmill will help your legs, you’ve just got to find an exercise for your arms now.
I’ve wanted to participate in the 100 pushup challenge, but have been a little intimidated. I can’t remember the last tme I worked out my upper body. Eeks.
I miss pushups! Stupid sprained wrist. Start with the girlie ones and work your way up. I was able to do about 60 last time I tried :(
Pushups are really THE best exercise though. You really have to use your whole body to keep proper form and they make you feel so powerful.
Pushups are horrible and pullups are worse! I can probably only do 5 or so “real” pushups, but I can do so much more of the girlie pushups. :)
But working on them is so rewarding because you can see how far you’re come, good luck with the challenge!
Pushups are horrible and pullups are worse! I can probably only do 5 or so “real” pushups, but I can do so much more of the girlie pushups. :)
But working on them is so rewarding because you can see how far you’ve come, good luck with the challenge!
I hate pushups. They’re evil.
I always get the best work-out when I’m angry too!! Arrrrrg.
What a fun post!! And I’m not laughing with you, Sweetie — but totally with you!
My MIL suggested using the stairs:
Perform incline pushups on a set of stairs. Stand at the landing and place you hands on the fourth or fifth step in front of you, and assume the pushup position with your legs straight. When you can do 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions on that step, then progress by moving to the next step down. Continue to “walk” down the steps over time as you get stronger. Once you can do about 10 pushups on the first step, you’re ready for the real thing!
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1003
You look mad pissed girl. Believe it or not, angry work outs are usually the most productive – you’re pissed so you just push yourself, using more effort. I’m with you – push ups are NOT as easy as they look. I can’t even do an ordinary push up, I have to get on my knees. But the last time I tried to do *that* I nearly humiliated myself.
Haha, you’re adorable :) Push-ups are damn hard, but some of the trick may be the technique! If you have some sort of counselor at your gym, I’d recommend you talk to them and have them guide you to the right way of doing it. And tell you what exercises you need to do to strengthen the right muscles for the job. You can do it! :)