Wednesday, July 2, 2008

A Kick-in the ABS

Everyone seems to be doing the Push-up Challenge. I was feeling left out. In some ways, I'd really like to do this. However, I stink at push-ups. Really stink at them. Probably worse than *anyone* reading this. I took the initial test and could only do two. Sigh.

You totally stink at push-ups. You'll never be able to do it.

I have never really understood why I have such a hard time with good form push-ups. I thought it was mostly arm/shoulder strength. You'd think with the swimming, that I'd be able to do these. I'd really like to get better at them.

Since when have you given up on a challenge? If you put your mind to it and work hard at it, you can do this.

Yesterday I did Week 1 Day 1. When I woke up this morning my Abs were killing me. Not my arms. Not my shoulders. My Abs. And tomorrow I'm supposed to start with four (4) push-ups. Huh?!?

Quit while you still have some dignity. You're a loser. You'll never make it through Day 2

So I did a little research on push-ups, and sure enough, it works the core. My core strength is poor. Maybe this is just what I need.

Modify the plan if needed. Don't worry how long it takes.

At this point, I'm thinking maybe I could just repeat Week 1, Day 1 tomorrow and again on Monday. And then from that point on, try moving through the plan as written. Does that even make sense?

Don't give up. You can do this.

24 comments:

  1. There's no quitting in the push up challenge!! You do those four push ups and you like it!!! :-)

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  2. Yes, it makes perfect sense! There's no 'one way' to progress.
    I'm so glad you are challenging those negative voices.*blows raspberry at Lisa's mean-to-herself side*

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  3. Not only can you do it, you will do it!!! I am rooting for you my friend!!!
    Michelle

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  4. You can totally do it and you will ROCK! Just go at your own pace, and gradually build up the number. Stick with it!

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  5. It's my kind of sense. I'm a big fan of modifying these challenges and training plans to fit your body and your strengths/weaknesses. We're not machines...most of the time :) Glad you quieted that negative voice!

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  6. Girl, I started with a number below 3. Ok! So I am with you in this! We are only going to improve and rock it!! Now, put your hands up....

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  7. Stick with it and in a couple of weeks you won't even remember what the problem was.

    Seriously.

    When I started going to the gym and improving my upper body and core strength it really, noticably improved my cycling. And it helped with heaps of every day things like lifting shopping bags out of the car ... life is so much easier when you feel strong. And last but not least: abs look very sexy on a woman, too. :-)

    Need more reasons to keep going?

    Keep itup. You can do it.

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  8. No, no, no Lisa! NO ONE stinks more than me LMAO!. (and this is why I didn't sign up. Bad excuse I know) I don't think I could do one :-X You know, now that I read this, I'm going to join in too :-) Thanks for the motivation!

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  9. I am on board with this push up challenge. I guess I'l have to go check out the training schedule, but I was thinking about push-ups the other day.

    You can do it!

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  10. Hey, cut out all of that negative talk girfriend. Positive self Affirmation ONLY please!

    You can do it... Gah, this means I have to get my ass in gear and do some too! LOL....

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  11. Keep doing the challenge and you will be able to do 10 before you know it...then 20...then maybe even 100

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  12. My abs killed em the first week as well. It's reminder that push ups really work your core too, not just your arms and shoulders.

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  13. Borrow my club, beat back that "I suck talk" once and for all and start listening to the good stuff. At least the good stuff is there and firing back. You're a step ahead of most! :D Since when have you backed down from a challenge? And who cares how long it takes?

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  14. Like anything, it comes with time and practice. Great for building core though. I would think this will come quickly for you.

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  15. You guys ROCK. Thanks for the encouragement so far.

    I just repeaated W1 D1 as per my ammended plan. It was still very difficult, but I'm beginning to believe that I'll be able to move forward on Wed of next week.

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  16. You can absolutely do it. I'm going to try and I convinced my husband to also. We're starting next week. You're completely right about the core strength. I took a core strengthening class a few years ago and in the beginning I could do zero good form push-ups. After 10 weeks I did 29! After the baby was born, I was back to zero again.

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  17. Yes, you can always modify the plan until you feel comfortable with week 1! I am thinking that I might be doing week 1 over. we'll see.

    Good luck... and don't give up!

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  18. Hey...I stink way more than you! I'm just starting today and if we're counting real, good form, pushups...I can only do ONE!!!

    We are up for this challenge though, no?

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  19. Good luck! I'm impressed that you're doing it and inspired to try it myself. We can only go up from here, right?

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  20. Go for it! A stronger core will thank you :)

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  21. I think modifying the challenge is better than quitting. I also think you're doing a great job starting something that you know triggers all your mean voices! Tell them to hush up and go on with your bad self - you rock! (And since I'm finally catching up I have to add - I hope your injury heals quickly! Smart of you to take some bike time off but what a drag!)

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  22. Good luck with the challenge!!! I may start it in a week or two...

    I'll be checking in on you!!

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  23. You are doing fine! But yes, it definitely works the core--and the quads, and the hamstrings, etc. I have been working on core strength for months before this so am okay with that, but I was sorer all last week (week 1) than I have been in a long time. All over sore. My biceps killed during the 15k last weekend. But week 2 has gone much easier. Not easy, not simple, just easier. Keep at it!

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  24. it makes TOTAL SENSE and to me this challenge is all about doing more than I could at the start----not the hundred.

    YOU CAN DO THIS!!

    MizFit

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