Push-ups are a classic body-weight exercise that maintains its effectiveness into modernity. Their elemental role in strength building inspired me to use them for a challenge designed to jumpstart my fitness after a year of pandemic-inspired idleness. Arbitrarily, I chose the round number of 1,000 push-ups as a weeklong goal. Little did I know, my atrophied muscles would make this round number as much a mental as physical challenge.
Day 1: 200 Push-Ups
Fresh with excitement, I started the week with a moderately difficult 200 push-ups. I completed them by setting a timer to complete sets of 10-15 evenly throughout the day and was optimistic, though my arms felt tight, by nightfall.
Day 2: 100 Push-Ups
Intense soreness was present with the first set. From there, 10 push-ups were difficult, even when trying to pace my number throughout the day. After lunch, I neglected the rest of my daily goal altogether, hoping the break would allow a greater number the following day.
Day 3: 80 Push-Ups
Lowering my push-up amount didn’t dissipate my soreness. My body was sadly still worn out and, after a quick 80, I found excuses to discontinue.
Day 4: 0 Push-Ups
I could give the excuse of a holiday (it was Easter), but the truth is I was still sore and looking for excuses.
Day 5: 220 Push-Ups After days of underperformance, I needed an extravagant amount of push-ups to have even a chance of completing my challenge…
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Joint Chiropractic — https://www.thejoint.com/utah/park-city/park-city-45017/324861-weeklong-challenge-1000-push-ups
C.B. James Writing 