Push Up Challenge: What I Learned

There are several things I have learned from when I first started the push up challenge on December 1. The first I was pretty much aware of, but also knew it would not be easy, that is commitment. I have completed every day (I missed 1 and I made it up by completing 50 in one day). It is tough to remember to do some thing extra. I remember to workout, I remember to bathe, I remember to floss. The push ups, unlike the other things listed, haven’t become a full on habit for me. That is were big things take place. The push ups were some thing that I did, not some thing that has been intricately woven in to me, yet! When you are first starting a habit, you have to consciously remind yourself about committing to that habit. This is where I went wrong! I totally admit that between the hours of 6 – 8pm, I would say to myself “don’t forget the push ups!”

I should have had little reminders sprinkled around. It wasn’t a habit yet, and I needed help to recall the task.

Another thing I have learned is that push ups help pull ups! Before I started this challenge, I could do 1 unassisted pull up. On December 20th, I went to the gym and completed 4 almost 5 unassisted pull ups! Push ups no doubt helped me with pull ups. Although they are different muscle groups, getting stronger in general is no doubt going to help.

My chest, shoulders, and back are strong. I had an itch the other day on my collar bone and I went to scratch it, when I did I felt how strong my chest muscles have gotten from push ups alone, it it neat to see/feel body improvements.

It was fun! I had a fantastic time completing the push ups challenge. I liked the commitment, the comradery on social media, and the pure physical task of completing them. It was really awesome to see how excited people were to join in the fun! One simple thing can have a ripple effect and motivate others!

January 1st is this weekend and with that so many people are going to be focused and quit frankly stressed about health and wellness, I’m proud of this community for getting a jump start on that! I’m thinking about other challenges we can do too! Happy 2018 everyone, I know it’s going to be amazing!

in to my