But then they were recommended by Trainer Guy, and I needed to think about them again.
He explained that push-ups work several parts of the body, and you can do them just about anywhere without special equipment. They increase upper-body strength particularly in the chest, fronts of shoulders, and triceps. They also work the abdominals and hip flexors and should help to improve balance. I’m sure there are even more benefits than that.
All he asked was for me to do three sets of good form push-ups twice a week, as many as I could, for a few months. After that, I could decide whether or not push-ups were for me, and quit them forever if I wanted.
Deal. I was *so* going to push out the push-ups from my life for good. Clearly they were too difficult for me and a waste of my time. After all, my first set of three ended up being something like 2, 1, & 1.
A month and a half has gone by and I've kept my part of the deal. Twice a week, usually Tuesday and Thursday, I pull out the mat, get my body all taut on the floor and start the evil process. Push Up to a plank-like position. Slight pause. Look forward. Come down. Don't forget to breathe. Keep everything tight. Back up. Look forward. Repeat a few times. Collapse. One down, two sets to go. Pretty much hating every moment.
Today is Tuesday and once again pushups were scheduled at the end of my strength workout at the gym. I pulled out the mat, laid there for a few moments, and then started. First set 15, second set 12, third set 10. Un.Freaking.Believable.
I still dread them every time they’re on my schedule, but they're growing on me. Plus, I've been able to do just a few more each time and after a while, the improvement is really noticable. I wonder how many I'll be able to do in another few weeks or so? Guess there's only one way to find out...
Trainer Guy hit the nail on the head with this one. Push-ups are a keeper.
what a clever coach, mwahahaha! And your arms and chest will be ever so toned
ReplyDeleteWell done. Nice work by the trainer guy too.
ReplyDeleteLisa, i never do push ups but that may be about to change!! Good post, thanks!!
ReplyDeleteM
That's most excellent! Very impressive. You did awesome.
ReplyDeleteI need to do them, I know I need to but I've been sooooo resistant. Sounds like they're working for you, so maybe I can find a way to get over myself soon and try a few. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI need to get back on that push up challenge!
ReplyDeleteGood job! I hate push ups, but I try to do them at least a couple of times a week. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLOL... and like lbtepa would say,
ReplyDeleteI bet those aren't girlie push ups either!
:-)
Great work! Those are some big improvements!
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo! I was trying the 100-push-ups challenge, but it did stall with little progress. Trainer Guy - how sneaky (and clever!) he is. Start to finish - now that's progress!
ReplyDeleteExcellent job. I remember to do them for a few weeks and then stop so I never make steady progress. I'll get back to it. Some time.
ReplyDeleteGreat job
ReplyDeleteHow GREAT job! We must be psychically linked as I blogged about the whole push up thing today - let's just say you are ahead of me.. I am in AWE!!
ReplyDeleteoh my gawd Lisa!!! You give me hope for myself LOL!! WHOOO HOOOO!!! CONGRATS!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on hating the pushups. I had a very difficult time with the 100 pushup challenge, bottoming out at 60, which I felt was none too shabby. So then I slacked off for a while, but now have been doing at least 50 at a time twice a week. I can tell my arms are getting stronger and my posture is much better too. That aside, I still don't like to do them, but they seem to be an evil necessity.
ReplyDeleteWOW - now that's progress!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, maybe I'll give 'em another try in the off season (insert immature sigh)
Great job!!
WOW!!! That is awesome progress!!
ReplyDeleteNoticed any changes on the bike or running, too? Your core strength must have improved heaps. Well done. You rock! :-)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Being a really evil HR lady I rolled out the push up challenge at work. 14 people signed up, most of them women. How cool? I was very impressed. The down side is: I've got to get back into it now myself again. So please keep posting about your push up progress as it is really inspiring.
I do the girl push ups on my knees :-)
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