Push-ups: From hero to zero
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Day 01 of week 03 of the 100 pushup challenge kicked my butt!
I was supposed to do 25, 17, 17, 12 and then max (25) but it was a struggle right from the get go. I really struggled with the first 25. I don’t know why as I did 30 with very few problems on the weekend. The next 17 were very tough but completed. I waited 2 minutes for the next set and only just managed to nut out 17. I came very close to not finishing them. I waited a full 4 minutes before attempting the next set and after 6 I just could not lift myself up. My arms said Let’s go for a run instead ok? So we did that. A nice easy 6 km run and it was much better than the push-ups!
Ellie suggested that instead of repeating the week we knock ourselves down a column. I think column 3 is too tough for me so I’m considering going down to column 2. Alternatively I might just repeat the day I’m on until I can complete it. Thoughts from my fellow push-uppers?
I’m going to try dropping myself down to level two, but I’m re-doing week one. I was so sore after doing the first level 3 workout that I didn’t fully recover for three days…. Slow and steady, slow and steady.
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Yeah, week 3 is a big jump. At least in column 3 you can go down a column. Think of us poor people stuck in column 1!!
See how Day 2 goes - you might just have had an “off” day. Otherwise, I’d be tempted to drop back a column. It’ll all come out even after the next exhaustion test anyway…
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I’m starting over for the third time…I was doing well at the beginning of my vacation, but by the end I had missed several days in a row.
Ironically, I’ve been running, finally!
I would say definitely bump down a level. Better to take it slow as David D. said above.
Good Luck!
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I’ve stopped doing the challenge cos I was having lower back problems. I reckon going down a level is a good idea - consistency and effort count for more than number I reckon.
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Firstly, well done! Secondly, going down a column might be the solution, but try repeating first. With exercises like this, I often find there is a muscle tiredness that kicks in a couple of days after a big effort, but they recover again quickly.
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I have had the same problem with Week 5 and have decided to stay in the same column, but to repeat Week 4.
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just happy Im still pushing upward….
M.
MizFits last blog post..Tues Trend (I hope never catches on) & Test Drive.
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I’m repeating days till I can complete them. Don’t be so hard on yourself!!
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“I really struggled with the first 25. I don’t know why as I did 30 with very few problems on the weekend. ”
Did you warm up first? I’ve found that if I do push-ups after a good run I can easily increase my max reps by as much as 20%.
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I don’t know what causes it, but some days the power just isn’t there. Then, even though you do nothing differently, it’s back. It’s mystifying. I’ll just bet if you try the same level next time, you’ll do it fine. No matter what, the victory is in the effort.
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The jump from Week 2 to Week 3 (Column 3) was too great for me, and I’m following Ellie’s example in dropping down to Column 2. It’s still very tough but I got through Day 1. I like this approach instead of being frustrated and stuck on Week 3/Column 3 for several weeks.
And hey - easy on yourself there - you did a lot more than zero!
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I had problems on week 3 day 3 (column 1) so I’m repeating the week again this week. If i still have problems I may drop down to week two,but I’m not sure about that yet.
Pete’s last blog post.. 100 Pushup Challenge: Back to Week 3, Day 1
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I just started Week 2, and it surprised me on how much strong I felt already! I was able to complete being in the #2 column without issue, so maybe you do need to drop down a column!
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What sort of break did you have between your exhaustion test and the next workout? If you tested Sunday and worked out Monday, your problem might be a lack of rest.
fit36.coms last blog post..My Week in Fitness (July 6 - July 12)
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AndrewE
reply on July 16th, 2008 8:29 am:
Saturday and Tuesday…I think the problem was more that I had a week off the program and then launched straight back into it.
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I think dropping down a column is the right thing to do. I’m in column 2 for week three and so far so good.
John’s Weight Loss Blogs last blog post..One Goal Down
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Yeah, week 3 is a bit of a nasty surprise. Barely managed 26 in the last set on day 1… But finally, I’m back on track as I took me 3 weeks to go through week2 with all the exams & celebrations interrupting me
I think, repeating the day you can’t complete is a good idea. Well better than going down a column because of the reasons you mentioned in your next post.
Good luck & keep pushing
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I’d say listen to your body. Also remember that “off” days happen to everyone. Besides… it’s not the numbers that matter anyway, what matters is getting stronger. By doing the pushups regularly, you’ll achieve that.
Cynthias last blog post..This week’s weigh-in
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