One Hundred Pushups (1 Viewer)

[offdee]

I guessed that my new max would be 50 and that is exactly what I was able to do.

Initial max test: 31

--------

w1, d1 max: 30

w1, d2 max: 34

w1, d3 max: 35

--------

w2, d1 max: 36

w2, d2 max: 37

w2, d3 max: 38

--------

max test: 44

--------

w3, d1 max: 35

w3, d2 max: 34

w3, d3 max: 35

---------

w4, d1 max: 36

w4, d2 max: 39

w4, d3 max: 38

---------

max test: 50

 

[Invisible Sky Wizard]

I guessed that my new max would be 50 and that is exactly what I was able to do.

Initial max test: 31

max test: 50

I did W4D3 today and I can't wait to do my max test in 2 days. Tomorrow I'm carbo loading and then I am shooting for 65

 

[Wyatt Earp]

W4D1 ...... ouch

27/20/20/17/27 .... didn't think I was going to make it.... my arms started feeling they were going to give out at 18 or so, and from 23 - 27 I had to pause at the top.... but I got them all in.... tried for 28, got all the way down and about an inch back up... held that for maybe 3 seconds before the collapse... not sure if I'll be able to pass W4D2, but I'm looking forward to giving it a shot!!!

 

[Wildman]

Too bad I missed this post in early July, but I'm starting this for sure.

I used to do Yoga daily for 7 years. Two years ago I began going to the gym and lost about 35 pounds. I felt good, except for the fact that I didn't enjoy the weights. I saw a lot folks who looked pumped up but lacked flexibility. I would much rather be flexible with functional strength than look like the Michelin Man. When I saw this guy on CNN lose something like 150 pounds from doing nothing but body weight exercises and through his extensive research (good blog) he said if you can't do pull ups and push ups don't even sniff a barbell until you can.

I've gained back 20 lbs in recent months. I'm 38 years old, 5'11" and 210 lbs. My lower body strength has always been excellent, but my upper body strength has sucked. I'm actually going to begin doing some of the other body weight exercises I've found as well, but this challenge sounds good.

I am going to start the push up challenge on Friday after testing this morning in my office and doing 14 push ups.

 

[Rig24]

Was really expecting to do better with W4D1. Just made the 27 on the max.

(Column 3)

W1 Max's: 30/30/33

W2 Max's: 40/34/41

Max: 48

W3 Max's: 26/34/33

W4 Max's: 27

 

[george]

Too bad I missed this post in early July, but I'm starting this for sure. I used to do Yoga daily for 7 years. Two years ago I began going to the gym and lost about 35 pounds. I felt good, except for the fact that I didn't enjoy the weights. I saw a lot folks who looked pumped up but lacked flexibility. I would much rather be flexible with functional strength than look like the Michelin Man. When I saw this guy on CNN lose something like 150 pounds from doing nothing but body weight exercises and through his extensive research (good blog) he said if you can't do pull ups and push ups don't even sniff a barbell until you can.I've gained back 20 lbs in recent months. I'm 38 years old, 5'11" and 210 lbs. My lower body strength has always been excellent, but my upper body strength has sucked. I'm actually going to begin doing some of the other body weight exercises I've found as well, but this challenge sounds good. I am going to start the push up challenge on Friday after testing this morning in my office and doing 14 push ups.

That might make a good topic for another thread. Body Weight Exercises. I know when I do lunges with or without weight, it kickes my rump most days. Swiss ball/pushups/pullups/lunges/... Anyone have much knowlege on the subject?

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I'm on W3D1 now.This past Monday: 20/15/15/7/13/13 fail.Last night: 20/15/15/7/13/20. Normal rest period thru level 3, extended rest after that.Should I repeat W3D1 since I haven't completed it with the normal rest periods, or move on to W3D2?

I did W3D2 last Friday: 22/17/17/15/20 (extra long breaks, like 3-4 min between lvl 4 and 5). For some reason, I forgot to do W3D3 on Sunday. So since I struggled with W3D1 and W3D2 (rest periods), I decided to start W3 again yesterday.W3D1: 20/15/15/13/22.

 

[Dr. J]

I finished W4 today, after a quick 3 day mini-vacation in NYC and am going to redo W4 based on my struggles this week. Plus, I want to go into W5 with the confidence that I am ready to move past W4. I'm a bit disappointed, but determined to try and do this. I can already see myself taking a few weeks to get past W5 once I get there. This thread has slowed down and I figure a lot of FBGs have dropped out?

 

[Mike Crimes]

I was a couple days ahead of schedule and slacked behind. have some work to hit all of week 4 here starting on a wednesday. either way maxed 58 on wk 3 day 3....feel strong and great control. my body always been on point just needed a lil tweaking and this excersize hooked up the kid.....

 

[dude]

been stucked on W3.

2nd try on W3. still unable to max out on the last set. guess ill be on W3 for the time being until i can max out that last set with ease.

D1 - 15/12/12/10/13

D2 - 16/14/14/12/11

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

W2, D2 done. Feeling disappointed that I am not pushing much further past the "at least" number during the final Max level, which also leads me to believe I will be getting stuck somewhere along the line one of these weeks. But, still better than doing nothing!

 

[Verbal Kint]

I've been spacing my days too far apart the past week or so. Probably going to have to re-do Week2 before I attempt Week3.

 

[wildbill]

Since I struggled with Week 3 last week I'm repeating it this week, but I've moved from the second column to the third column, which is progress. W3D1 almost killed me last week, but this week was much better. I did 100 total pushups, and even though I was worn out, I still felt great.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I'm able to do a lot more pushups now but mostly I'm glad to feel like my arms look twice as big as before. I must have REALLY been a scrawny dude.

 

[Colin Dowling]

been stucked on W3.2nd try on W3. still unable to max out on the last set. guess ill be on W3 for the time being until i can max out that last set with ease.D1 - 15/12/12/10/13D2 - 16/14/14/12/11

W2, D2 done. Feeling disappointed that I am not pushing much further past the "at least" number during the final Max level, which also leads me to believe I will be getting stuck somewhere along the line one of these weeks. But, still better than doing nothing!

Keep it up fellas, you'll get there.

 

[Invisible Sky Wizard]

I guessed that my new max would be 50 and that is exactly what I was able to do.

Initial max test: 31

max test: 50

I did W4D3 today and I can't wait to do my max test in 2 days. Tomorrow I'm carbo loading and then I am shooting for 65

well, I hit 62. Didn't hit 65 but still feel pretty good about my progress.

 

[chet]

starting this

 

[Mike Crimes]

shocked as hell, finished up yesterday wk 3 day 3 with max 58. hit em off with 70 today! i was behind, trying to catch up on my days and still a lil sore....

oh, and aint one day I done these less than 4 mickey's FINE malt liquor flowing strong thru the system.....

 

[Wyatt Earp]

W4D2 Done 27/27/21/18/26

Just hitting, or sneaking by, the min max at the end has me worried that I'll be repeating a week here pretty soon. I might repeat week 4 next week no matter how I do on W4D3 just to get a little stronger for W5

 

[chet]

My wife wants to do this--does she do ladies pus?

 

[beer 30]

This thread has slowed down and I figure a lot of FBGs have dropped out?

Still doing it but this will be the third W5 I've started. Took a few days off. I'm doing all three columns before I move to W6. If I can't finish a column then I repeat it until I can.

 

[Rig24]

Had a good W4/D2 with a max 41. After D1 I didn't expect to come close to that. Feeling pretty good about it.

(Column 3)

W1 Max's: 30/30/33

W2 Max's: 40/34/41

Max: 48

W3 Max's: 26/34/33

W4 Max's: 27/41

 

[MrVegas21]

Just got back from a short vacation... W5/D1 has to be the toughest yet. Makes sense of course but wow. I think D2 & D3 will be pretty tough with the 8 levels, looking forward to it.

 

[Dr. J]

This thread has slowed down and I figure a lot of FBGs have dropped out?

Still doing it but this will be the third W5 I've started. Took a few days off. I'm doing all three columns before I move to W6. If I can't finish a column then I repeat it until I can.

For the second week in a row, I struggle with W4D1 max. A little better than last week, and I had no problems with D2, but I think I'll continue to hit D1 until I hit the proper max. I will finish off W4 after that and hopefully have no problems with D2 & D3. Saturday was my normal D2 and if I can do D1 properly it will become my new D1, with Monday becoming D2. I am also continuing my normal workouts with more emphasis on functional training and trying to not exhaust myself for my pushup days.

 

[offdee]

Week 5, Day 1 is ridiculous.

The first 4 weeks I was easily doing all the sets and regularly doing 10-15 above the final max. set.

Go through the first 4 sets of W5, D1.....get them down but just barely.

Go into the final max set of "at least 40" and bust out 21.

It's gonna take me 3 weeks just to get through this day.

This is where the program is designed to get you to 100. You keep repeating this set and when (if) you conquer it than 100 in one sitting could be somewhat doable 2 weeks after that achievement.

 

[dude]

been stucked on W3.2nd try on W3. still unable to max out on the last set. guess ill be on W3 for the time being until i can max out that last set with ease.D1 - 15/12/12/10/13D2 - 16/14/14/12/11

D3 - 20/15/15/12/12struggled again with the max last set. gotta say this program is keeping me interested or i would've gave up long ago.

 

[jpwest]

I have trouble with day 1 every week - probably psychological. After just hitting the minimum on W3D1, I fell a day behind my usual MWF schedule and did D2 on Thursday.

The extra day of rest must have helped:

27/19/19/15/40 (min was 25)

Previous max, including exhaustion tests, was 30, so I have clearly reached a new plateau.

I'm loving this program.

 

[Rig24]

Week 5, Day 1 is ridiculous.The first 4 weeks I was easily doing all the sets and regularly doing 10-15 above the final max. set.Go through the first 4 sets of W5, D1.....get them down but just barely.Go into the final max set of "at least 40" and bust out 21.It's gonna take me 3 weeks just to get through this day.This is where the program is designed to get you to 100. You keep repeating this set and when (if) you conquer it than 100 in one sitting could be somewhat doable 2 weeks after that achievement.

Can see the same thing coming my way. Have W4D3 tonight. I don't see myself getting though week 5 without a repeat.

 

[John William Callaghan]

Week 5, Day 1 is ridiculous.

The first 4 weeks I was easily doing all the sets and regularly doing 10-15 above the final max. set.

Go through the first 4 sets of W5, D1.....get them down but just barely.

Go into the final max set of "at least 40" and bust out 21.

It's gonna take me 3 weeks just to get through this day.

This is where the program is designed to get you to 100. You keep repeating this set and when (if) you conquer it than 100 in one sitting could be somewhat doable 2 weeks after that achievement.

This program ISN'T designed to get you to 100.This program is TITLED 100 pushups, because that's good marketing. But the program itself is, to put it kindly, seriously flawed. The jumps on weeks 3 and 5 aren't reasonable. Are you really supposed to believe that hitting a 25 rep max in your week 2 test, means you're ready for a four-set pounding in week three where the FIRST set is 25? And then, you have to do at least 25 AGAIN, on your 4th (?!) set to move forward? And week 3 isn't half as bad in this respect as week 5.

The way to push your body's limits forward, when you're dealing with bodyweight exercises, is like this:

First, do enough reps of the exercise that you push your body to and beyond its limits. (Actually, you only CAN push your body to its limits. But "to and beyond" gives a better idea of exactly what it means to hit those limits for real.).

Second, rest. Thoroughly.

Third, repeat.

The program linked is guaranteed to lead to overtraining and less-than-optimal results. Particularly if the result you're after is getting to a rep target in a hurry.

Anyone wants a real program designed to get them to 100 pushups ASAP?

Day 1 - Do about 20 wall pushups, standing, just to get blood flowing to the muscles. Alternatively, jog in place, or cycle for 10 minutes.

Then do pushups. One set, to failure. Not till it becomes uncomfortable. Till your arms give out. Till you push with every last ounce of energy you have, and still can't force your body upwards. End of workout.

Day 2 - Rest.

Day 3 - Rest.

Day 4 - Repeat day one till set >= 100.

If you don't improve your max every time out, add another day of rest. You'll get there a hell of a lot faster than you would on the prescribed program.

 

[offdee]

Week 5, Day 1 is ridiculous.

The first 4 weeks I was easily doing all the sets and regularly doing 10-15 above the final max. set.

Go through the first 4 sets of W5, D1.....get them down but just barely.

Go into the final max set of "at least 40" and bust out 21.

It's gonna take me 3 weeks just to get through this day.

This is where the program is designed to get you to 100. You keep repeating this set and when (if) you conquer it than 100 in one sitting could be somewhat doable 2 weeks after that achievement.

This program ISN'T designed to get you to 100.This program is TITLED 100 pushups, because that's good marketing. But the program itself is, to put it kindly, seriously flawed. The jumps on weeks 3 and 5 aren't reasonable. Are you really supposed to believe that hitting a 25 rep max in your week 2 test, means you're ready for a four-set pounding in week three where the FIRST set is 25? And then, you have to do at least 25 AGAIN, on your 4th (?!) set to move forward? And week 3 isn't half as bad in this respect as week 5.

The way to push your body's limits forward, when you're dealing with bodyweight exercises, is like this:

First, do enough reps of the exercise that you push your body to and beyond its limits. (Actually, you only CAN push your body to its limits. But "to and beyond" gives a better idea of exactly what it means to hit those limits for real.).

Second, rest. Thoroughly.

Third, repeat.

The program linked is guaranteed to lead to overtraining and less-than-optimal results. Particularly if the result you're after is getting to a rep target in a hurry.

Anyone wants a real program designed to get them to 100 pushups ASAP?

Day 1 - Do about 20 wall pushups, standing, just to get blood flowing to the muscles. Alternatively, jog in place, or cycle for 10 minutes.

Then do pushups. One set, to failure. Not till it becomes uncomfortable. Till your arms give out. Till you push with every last ounce of energy you have, and still can't force your body upwards. End of workout.

Day 2 - Rest.

Day 3 - Rest.

Day 4 - Repeat day one till set >= 100.

If you don't improve your max every time out, add another day of rest. You'll get there a hell of a lot faster than you would on the prescribed program.

Really I could care less if I actually ever get to 100 in one crack. Honestly I doubt it ever happens, but doesn't really matter.I'm seeing results, chest and arms more defined in a short period, improving #'s regularly and that's all I'm really hoping for. The program and this thread are really just incentives for me to keep doing it which is half the battle for me usually.

 

[The Flying Turtle]

I just finished the week 4 test and I am pretty happy with my progress (especially since I am following this terrible program).

Initial max 10

week 4 max 39

I have consistently been right on the border between level 2 and level 3.

 

[tri-man 47]

Too bad I missed this post in early July, but I'm starting this for sure. I used to do Yoga daily for 7 years. Two years ago I began going to the gym and lost about 35 pounds. I felt good, except for the fact that I didn't enjoy the weights. I saw a lot folks who looked pumped up but lacked flexibility. I would much rather be flexible with functional strength than look like the Michelin Man. When I saw this guy on CNN lose something like 150 pounds from doing nothing but body weight exercises and through his extensive research (good blog) he said if you can't do pull ups and push ups don't even sniff a barbell until you can.I've gained back 20 lbs in recent months. I'm 38 years old, 5'11" and 210 lbs. My lower body strength has always been excellent, but my upper body strength has sucked. I'm actually going to begin doing some of the other body weight exercises I've found as well, but this challenge sounds good. I am going to start the push up challenge on Friday after testing this morning in my office and doing 14 push ups.

That might make a good topic for another thread. Body Weight Exercises. I know when I do lunges with or without weight, it kickes my rump most days. Swiss ball/pushups/pullups/lunges/... Anyone have much knowlege on the subject?

Wildman - interesting background!George - regarding your topic: Three years ago, to step up to a 1/2-Ironman, I added a weekly routine of body weight exercises. I've averaged about 500 push-ups a week along with 500 sit-ups, stretches, squats, and lunges. I've noticed the improvement in my core strength and overall flexibility. My regular triathlon training doesn't seem to stress me or in any way hurt me - I recover quickly from workouts. I give a lot of that credit to the BWE's (this all at age 52). The lunges, in particular, are extremely helpful. I rant about them in the 10K thread a lot. 6'3", 180 lbs.I'm kind of off-schedule with this push-up challenge ...final training for next week's triathlon, plus no A.C this week makes evening reps tough. I'm generally in week 4.Last Sunday's set: (150 total) 40/25/25/20/40This morning: (160 total; quite rested) 40/25/25/20/50I won't push it much (pardon the pun) next week due to the cool down for my race.

 

[yahtzee]

Week 3 was a #####. Week 4 will not be easy. This is quite a challenge.

 

[quickhands]

I finished W4 today, after a quick 3 day mini-vacation in NYC and am going to redo W4 based on my struggles this week. Plus, I want to go into W5 with the confidence that I am ready to move past W4. I'm a bit disappointed, but determined to try and do this. I can already see myself taking a few weeks to get past W5 once I get there. This thread has slowed down and I figure a lot of FBGs have dropped out?

wow i was gonna post this...i'm in exactly the same place

 

[beer 30]

Week 5, Day 1 is ridiculous.

The first 4 weeks I was easily doing all the sets and regularly doing 10-15 above the final max. set.

Go through the first 4 sets of W5, D1.....get them down but just barely.

Go into the final max set of "at least 40" and bust out 21.

It's gonna take me 3 weeks just to get through this day.

This is where the program is designed to get you to 100. You keep repeating this set and when (if) you conquer it than 100 in one sitting could be somewhat doable 2 weeks after that achievement.

This program ISN'T designed to get you to 100.This program is TITLED 100 pushups, because that's good marketing. But the program itself is, to put it kindly, seriously flawed. The jumps on weeks 3 and 5 aren't reasonable. Are you really supposed to believe that hitting a 25 rep max in your week 2 test, means you're ready for a four-set pounding in week three where the FIRST set is 25? And then, you have to do at least 25 AGAIN, on your 4th (?!) set to move forward? And week 3 isn't half as bad in this respect as week 5.

The way to push your body's limits forward, when you're dealing with bodyweight exercises, is like this:

First, do enough reps of the exercise that you push your body to and beyond its limits. (Actually, you only CAN push your body to its limits. But "to and beyond" gives a better idea of exactly what it means to hit those limits for real.).

Second, rest. Thoroughly.

Third, repeat.

The program linked is guaranteed to lead to overtraining and less-than-optimal results. Particularly if the result you're after is getting to a rep target in a hurry.

Anyone wants a real program designed to get them to 100 pushups ASAP?

Day 1 - Do about 20 wall pushups, standing, just to get blood flowing to the muscles. Alternatively, jog in place, or cycle for 10 minutes.

Then do pushups. One set, to failure. Not till it becomes uncomfortable. Till your arms give out. Till you push with every last ounce of energy you have, and still can't force your body upwards. End of workout.

Day 2 - Rest.

Day 3 - Rest.

Day 4 - Repeat day one till set >= 100.

If you don't improve your max every time out, add another day of rest. You'll get there a hell of a lot faster than you would on the prescribed program.

I'm quickly siding with John Willy on this program and actually posted a similar thought earlier. Not sure if I'm going to continue with this past this week. It has given me some ideas of how to tweak what I was normally doing to get a better workout but I'm pretty confident sticking to this is not gonna get me where I want to go.

 

[Dr. J]

I finished W4 today, after a quick 3 day mini-vacation in NYC and am going to redo W4 based on my struggles this week. Plus, I want to go into W5 with the confidence that I am ready to move past W4. I'm a bit disappointed, but determined to try and do this. I can already see myself taking a few weeks to get past W5 once I get there. This thread has slowed down and I figure a lot of FBGs have dropped out?

wow i was gonna post this...i'm in exactly the same place

 

[prosopis]

I just started week 1 yesterday. My initial test was 20.

 

[Mike Crimes]

minor pull while doing wk 4 day 2. initial set around the 24 mark. took a break and then finished up with a max of 75!!! granted, had a couple beers so hope the pain aint there 2morrow.

my body is lookin so amazing. my arms musta increased atleast 2", my stomach is toned and solid, my chest looks like im wearing armor. I love takin of my shirt now...i catch the cashiers telling me I need to put it on to be served....

BTW, I aint just doin the recommended sets and callin it a day, im on the grind and putting in atleast 200 extra each day.

 

[Rig24]

Dropped down to a 33 max. Going to do the max test today and get ready for week 5.

(Column 3)

W1 Max's: 30/30/33

W2 Max's: 40/34/41

Max: 48

W3 Max's: 26/34/33

W4 Max's: 27/41/33

 

[Sand]

Initial test = 25. Coulda been better. Captain Hammer I am not.

We'll see how week 1 goes.

 

[prosopis]

I just started week 1 yesterday. My initial test was 20.

Anyone else have trouble with week 1 day 2?Do I keep doing that day until I can complete it? I came close to completeing it but I didnt.

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

First failure...w3, d1...the spot I was dreading.

My plan is to try to complete the week, but repeat it until all three days are successfully done utilizing the prescribed rest periods.

Regarding the view of whether this is doable or not, I never expected to complete the program in 6 weeks. My idea was to push myself as far as I can go while recognizing there would be levels that would likely be repeated. If they did not need to be, good for me. But, I think doing it this way is the same as the other view provided by an earlier poster: push yourself to you furthest level and build upon it. If following this program, there is no problem in repeating a week. You are still getting stronger each cycle through, IMHO.

 

[dude]

been stucked on W3.2nd try on W3. still unable to max out on the last set. guess ill be on W3 for the time being until i can max out that last set with ease.D1 - 15/12/12/10/13D2 - 16/14/14/12/11

D3 - 20/15/15/12/12struggled again with the max last set. gotta say this program is keeping me interested or i would've gave up long ago.

W3 x3D1 - 15/12/12/10/12D2 - 16/14/14/12/11lol, failed the maxes again. i might just be on W3 for the year. im feeling stronger and the upper body is not looking too bad...

 

[prosopis]

I just started week 1 yesterday. My initial test was 20.

Anyone else have trouble with week 1 day 2?Do I keep doing that day until I can complete it? I came close to completeing it but I didnt.

Seriously do I keep doing that day until I get?

 

[dude]

I just started week 1 yesterday. My initial test was 20.

Anyone else have trouble with week 1 day 2?Do I keep doing that day until I can complete it? I came close to completeing it but I didnt.

Seriously do I keep doing that day until I get?

do the whole week and repeat it next week if u struggled on any one day.

 

[UOFI_316]

First failure...w3, d1...the spot I was dreading.My plan is to try to complete the week, but repeat it until all three days are successfully done utilizing the prescribed rest periods.Regarding the view of whether this is doable or not, I never expected to complete the program in 6 weeks. My idea was to push myself as far as I can go while recognizing there would be levels that would likely be repeated. If they did not need to be, good for me. But, I think doing it this way is the same as the other view provided by an earlier poster: push yourself to you furthest level and build upon it. If following this program, there is no problem in repeating a week. You are still getting stronger each cycle through, IMHO.

Failed at my first attempt at w3d1. I maxed out at 30, so I was guessing I would not be able to do 25/17/17/15/25 with a minute between. I stretched it to 2 minutes and got as far as 25/17/17/5 then splat as arms gave out. I will finish the week and then restart it again next week.As for the effectiveness of this, while I agree that it may never get me to 100 pushups at once, when I started I was at 20 max. I don't go to the gym, I am in the middle of a bathroom remodel, and have a 3 month daughter so I don't have much time to work out right now. Pushups I can do while playing with her on the floor next to me. Eventually, once she can hold on, I plan on using her as extra weight and have her sit/lay on my back while I do the pushups.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

I'm in.

Started w/ 25. Coulda done 40-50. Instead, I did 5 sets of 25.

Not gonna do the program really, just want to get to the point where I can do say, 4 sets of 50, 3X a week. I figure that's enough to make a difference. Yes?

How long should you wait in between sets? How important is that? Anything I should do different? Thanks.

Gonna start doing situps too...I'm getting older, and I can feel it.

 

[tri-man 47]

Not gonna do the program really, just want to get to the point where I can do say, 4 sets of 50, 3X a week. I figure that's enough to make a difference. Yes?How long should you wait in between sets? How important is that? Anything I should do different? Thanks.Gonna start doing situps too...I'm getting older, and I can feel it.

Will your plan make a difference? Yes ...but not necessarily in a dramatic way. It will add definition and help your core. I think the short timeframe between sets (1-2 minutes) is part of the challenge of this program. Traditionally, I've done sets of 30-40 spread out over an hour or more (doing a set during each commercial of a ballgame, for example). But the muscles get a more intense workout when the sets are bunched close.Good to hear about the sit-ups, too. You can do a lot of variations of stretches, leg lifts, crunches, etc. (and my favorite for the legs and butt - lunges).

 

[beer 30]

Not gonna do the program really, just want to get to the point where I can do say, 4 sets of 50, 3X a week. I figure that's enough to make a difference. Yes?How long should you wait in between sets? How important is that? Anything I should do different? Thanks.Gonna start doing situps too...I'm getting older, and I can feel it.

Will your plan make a difference? Yes ...but not necessarily in a dramatic way. It will add definition and help your core. I think the short timeframe between sets (1-2 minutes) is part of the challenge of this program. Traditionally, I've done sets of 30-40 spread out over an hour or more (doing a set during each commercial of a ballgame, for example). But the muscles get a more intense workout when the sets are bunched close.Good to hear about the sit-ups, too. You can do a lot of variations of stretches, leg lifts, crunches, etc. (and my favorite for the legs and butt - lunges).

I've thrown in the towel on this program but it has helped me develop a better pushup workout. Last night I started the new routine 4 x 25 with 1 minute breaks in between. I will tweak it to add reps, decrease rest time, increase # of sets etc.For all of you doing this good luck and keep at it, it will absolutely help you get into better shape and increase your overall health and muscle mass. One of the hardest things about excersise is sticking with it, keep it up

 

[Why Me?]

Passed week 3 on my second try, finished last Friday. Failed week 4 day 1, could only get 21 pushups at the end. Will repeat week 4 at least one more time next week and I'm guessing it will take me 3 weeks to get through it.

One thing I don't understand about this program is the "take more time between sets if you need it" caveat. I've stuck pretty close to the alotted rest times and would feel like I was cheating otherwise.