One Hundred Pushups (1 Viewer)

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

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).

Thanks. My plan was just a guess of what might work. If you think I'd be better off following this program I'll do it. Whatever works best. I don't care about seeing if I can do 100 in a row, I want the best way to strengthen my core. Speaking of which, if you (or anyone else that knows) could give me a killer sit-up workout to do, I'd appreciate it. Heck while we're at it, if there's anything else you recommend, let me know. I'll be swimming as well, btw. The only thing I'm doing already is running.Again, thanks.

 

[Paper Lions]

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).

Thanks. My plan was just a guess of what might work. If you think I'd be better off following this program I'll do it. Whatever works best. I don't care about seeing if I can do 100 in a row, I want the best way to strengthen my core. Speaking of which, if you (or anyone else that knows) could give me a killer sit-up workout to do, I'd appreciate it. Heck while we're at it, if there's anything else you recommend, let me know. I'll be swimming as well, btw. The only thing I'm doing already is running.

Again, thanks.

As Beer 30 alluded to above, the real benefit of the program is getting people to stick with it. Since it is a challenge to get through the steps, it actually makes the exercise more fun. From that perspective, might as well try it.

 

[Why Me?]

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).

Thanks. My plan was just a guess of what might work. If you think I'd be better off following this program I'll do it. Whatever works best. I don't care about seeing if I can do 100 in a row, I want the best way to strengthen my core. Speaking of which, if you (or anyone else that knows) could give me a killer sit-up workout to do, I'd appreciate it. Heck while we're at it, if there's anything else you recommend, let me know. I'll be swimming as well, btw. The only thing I'm doing already is running.

Again, thanks.

As Beer 30 alluded to above, the real benefit of the program is getting people to stick with it. Since it is a challenge to get through the steps, it actually makes the exercise more fun. From that perspective, might as well try it.

Agreed. I look forward to these "workouts" more so than any other program I've been on before, work outs being in quotes because I have a hard time categorizing the 5 - 10 minutes I spend on this each time as a work out. As others have mentioned though, if you're a guy that hasn't been doing a whole lot of muscle development stuff recently this program shows quick results muscle-building wise.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Okay, thanks guys. I'll start the program tomorrow.

And let me know on the sit-ups and anything else to do...

 

[Rig24]

Week 5 Day 1 got me. Could only push out 15 on the final max. Wasn't able to complete the first four stages fully either. Wondering how many weeks it will take me to get through this one.

(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

W5 Max's: 15

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

W3, D2...another F, but closer, as I hit the first three levels, just missed on the 4th, but blown out by the 5th. Progress, but will keep on pushin' to reach the goal!

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Okay, like you guys suggested I started the program instead. Since I did 25/25/25/26/27 on Monday, I decided to start w/ day two today. Soooo...

D2...12, 12, 10, 10, 15 (level 4 btw)

Actually, today was surprisingly a little difficult, because I was sore from Monday, and I did a 4-mile soft sand run right before.

 

[tri-man 47]

Okay, thanks guys. I'll start the program tomorrow.And let me know on the sit-ups and anything else to do...

I was primarily advocating push-ups in general, and not necessarily this program as being better than general sets of push-ups ...so however you approach it is fine.Sit-ups: Basic sit-ups are good (feet anchored under something). You can add a little twist at the top, touching left elbow to right knee, etc. Another variation is to lay sideways (on one butt cheek) and hook the sides of your feet under a couch (I cross my feet at the ankles, so the inside of one foot and outside of the other are under the couch), then lift yourself up kind of sideways - very good for the obliques (on the side) ...you'll feel it.Also for the core, you can lay flat on your back, then slightly raise and hold your legs. Or lay flat with the legs down and slightly lift your shoulders/upper body (as though being pulled up to the ceiling) ...you'll only come up an inch or two, but that will work the core. You can also do the basic bicycle motion or alternate some leg pulls up toward your chest.Lie on your side with legs bent and lift the upper leg up (still in bent position) to get the hip moving sideways. Or be on hands and knees and lift the bent leg out to the side, again working the hip, or draw the leg in to the chest and extend back out back.While standing, stand on one leg while bending over (Superman-like) - arms out front, one leg extended back. It's hard to keep good balance on the one leg! But you'll feel the muscles in the foot, ankle, and calf working to keep the balance. A variation is to stand on one leg and slowly dip down and back up.All of these make for nice fillers between reps of push-ups. I've been doing such reps for three years now (to supplement my tri-training). As mentioned, it hasn't bulked me up, but I do stay loose and limber and have some solid definition to my generally thin frame.

 

[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...

i missed a Day and losing a little interest. someone put up a prize for this!

 

[Mike Crimes]

finished off today and felt lightheaded. the last 20 bout killed the kid...

 

[Rig24]

W5D2 wasn't nearly as bad as day 1. Still unable to reach the max though.

(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

W5 Max's: 15/33

 

[Bob Loblaw]

W5D2 wasn't nearly as bad as day 1. Still unable to reach the max though.(Column 3)W1 Max's: 30/30/33W2 Max's: 40/34/41Max: 48W3 Max's: 26/34/33W4 Max's: 27/41/33W5 Max's: 15/33

Did you do an exhaustion test after W4?

 

[Dr. J]

W5D2 wasn't nearly as bad as day 1. Still unable to reach the max though.(Column 3)W1 Max's: 30/30/33W2 Max's: 40/34/41Max: 48W3 Max's: 26/34/33W4 Max's: 27/41/33W5 Max's: 15/33

Finally got past W4 and will begin W5 next week after exhaustion test. Night and day difference between the first attempt at W4 and the second. I imagine I'll work on W5 for a couple weeks at least.

 

[Why Me?]

passed W4 days 2 and 3 after failing day 1, will repeat W4 next week.

 

[jpwest]

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.

Not sure I buy this. If I wanted to train for a marathon, my program wouldn't consist of "run as far as you can every three days, until one day you hit 26 miles." For those of us with an initial max in the 10-30 range, how long would it realistically take us to get to 100 this way?To put it another way, under JWC's program I'd do 20 on day one (my initial max), then maybe 22 on day four, etc. Maybe not even that much improvement. Under the current program, I tested at 20, then did 54, 66, and 73 total pushups during week 1. Even considering the rests during those three days, isn't that quantity of pushups likely to produce better results in a shorter period?

 

[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...

i missed a Day and losing a little interest. someone put up a prize for this!

D3 - 20/15/15/12/16- hit the max....

 

[Invisible Sky Wizard]

damn, this W5D1 has been killing me. I didn't do all the reps the first two times but today I nailed it. I almost didn't get to the 3rd set of 30 but I hung in there, and hit 55 on my max! I was thinking 100 would be unachievable but now I've got my confidence back. Oh, and just for the record, I'm just a few months shy of 50 with two heart attacks, a quad bypass, and currently have a torn ACL (tore it in an old timers wrestling meet; the other 'old timers' in my bracket were 19, 20, and 21). Anyway, all you young guys better not give up if I'm willing to hang in there.

 

[dude]

damn, this W5D1 has been killing me. I didn't do all the reps the first two times but today I nailed it. I almost didn't get to the 3rd set of 30 but I hung in there, and hit 55 on my max! I was thinking 100 would be unachievable but now I've got my confidence back. Oh, and just for the record, I'm just a few months shy of 50 with two heart attacks, a quad bypass, and currently have a torn ACL (tore it in an old timers wrestling meet; the other 'old timers' in my bracket were 19, 20, and 21). Anyway, all you young guys better not give up if I'm willing to hang in there.

wow. i think this is motivation enough for the rest of us...

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

damn, this W5D1 has been killing me. I didn't do all the reps the first two times but today I nailed it. I almost didn't get to the 3rd set of 30 but I hung in there, and hit 55 on my max! I was thinking 100 would be unachievable but now I've got my confidence back. Oh, and just for the record, I'm just a few months shy of 50 with two heart attacks, a quad bypass, and currently have a torn ACL (tore it in an old timers wrestling meet; the other 'old timers' in my bracket were 19, 20, and 21). Anyway, all you young guys better not give up if I'm willing to hang in there.

wow. i think this is motivation enough for the rest of us...

Indeed. That was a GREAT post. Cracked me up, the old-timers wrestling meet... And good for you ISW, nice work!

Finished my first week (whoopie) yesterday. 15,13,10,10, Max 15. Coulda max'd more but went mellow cuz' I did like 130 on the first day (wasn't following program).

 

[Rig24]

W5D2 wasn't nearly as bad as day 1. Still unable to reach the max though.(Column 3)W1 Max's: 30/30/33W2 Max's: 40/34/41Max: 48W3 Max's: 26/34/33W4 Max's: 27/41/33W5 Max's: 15/33

Did you do an exhaustion test after W4?

I ended up skipping the test. Column 3 was 40+ pushups and I was sure I could do that. Also I was thinking that it would give me some extra rest to get ready for week 5. Looking back, I wish I had done the test as I didn't really get close to meeting day 1 anyways.

 

[Rig24]

Finally got past W4 and will begin W5 next week after exhaustion test. Night and day difference between the first attempt at W4 and the second. I imagine I'll work on W5 for a couple weeks at least.

Week 5 was a rude awakening for me. I was feeling pretty good up till that point. Gotta get motivated to push through it. I hope to finish week 5 within a month.

 

[Rig24]

damn, this W5D1 has been killing me. I didn't do all the reps the first two times but today I nailed it. I almost didn't get to the 3rd set of 30 but I hung in there, and hit 55 on my max! I was thinking 100 would be unachievable but now I've got my confidence back. Oh, and just for the record, I'm just a few months shy of 50 with two heart attacks, a quad bypass, and currently have a torn ACL (tore it in an old timers wrestling meet; the other 'old timers' in my bracket were 19, 20, and 21). Anyway, all you young guys better not give up if I'm willing to hang in there.

I guess I should have no excuse to not continue.

 

[Rig24]

Was able to complete W5D3. Gunna try to have a relaxing weekend to get ready for a retry on 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

W5 Max's: 15/33/41

 

[dude]

After working W3 x3, i feel i deserve to move on to W4.

W4D1 - 16/13/13/11/15

 

[Colin Dowling]

I think it is going to be close for me to get to 100 at the end of the week. I've not been pushing myself as hard the last two weeks on my end-of-day max, so we'll see.

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

Failed at 2nd attempt at W3, D1, but still making progress...missed max of 25 by 2, but last 3-4 were weak.

As long as the numbers keep going up, I will be happy.

 

[prosopis]

I start week 2 tomorrow

 

[Rig24]

2nd attempt at week 5. The max ended up one less, but I am pretty pumped that I was able to complete the first two stages (40/30). Last week I did 40/22, so I feel I did improve, but it really did a number on my arms.

(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

W5 Max's: 15/33/41 2nd Try: 14

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

W2: 12..12..9..7...25

 

[Why Me?]

Second attempt at Week 4 began yesterday, failed Day 1 again (after passing 2 & 3 last W & F). These Day 1's are by far the hardest for me with the short rest, and I refuse to take advantage of the "take more time if you need it" caveat. Monday is also typically a low-energy/feeling hungover day for me.

I think instead of continuing with W4 D2 & D3 this week, like I did last week, I'm just going to repeat D1 twice more and hopefully be ready next week to complete W4 in it entirety.

 

[Why Me?]

Question for those who are getting through this easier than others (not getting hung up until week 5): do you guys work out regularly outside of this program? I'm wishing I had started a Tuesday/Thursday routine of some sort when I started this MWF program.

 

[Rig24]

Question for those who are getting through this easier than others (not getting hung up until week 5): do you guys work out regularly outside of this program? I'm wishing I had started a Tuesday/Thursday routine of some sort when I started this MWF program.

I was able to get to week 5 before the struggling started. Before I started the program I did work out some, but not to regularly. Maybe twice a week on a good week.

 

[jpwest]

Question for those who are getting through this easier than others (not getting hung up until week 5): do you guys work out regularly outside of this program?

No. Very sporadic treadmill work (1x/week if I'm lucky). Currently 20-30 lbs. over where I should be. Tomorrow will be week 4, day 3. Column 3 has been a consistent challenge, especially on day 1 each week, but I'm moving through it. I am expecting to struggle with week 5, but I thought the same thing when I started week 3.ETA daily maxes:Initial 20Week 1: 20, 22, 25 Week 2: 22, 30, 30 Test 28 Week 3: 25, 40, 35Week 4: 30, 35

 

[bigfun54]

Question for those who are getting through this easier than others (not getting hung up until week 5): do you guys work out regularly outside of this program? I'm wishing I had started a Tuesday/Thursday routine of some sort when I started this MWF program.

I was working out pretty regularly before starting this, although truth be told I shouldn't be doing anything else than strapping myself to the treadmill for an hour. Just finished W4/D2 today. Mondays are killing me pretty much the last two weeks. Did okay today, 27/21/21/18/30 but I don't feel confident at all about Week 5 coming up. Although I have gotten about 4 other guys in the office to do this and it's good group motivation.

 

[Big Blue Wrecking Crew]

W3, D2 (2nd attempt)...SUCCESS

Will still redo the week next week due to D1 miss, but thinking I should move through to W4 next week

 

[Short Corner]

Parents were visiting for 3 weeks....dropping back to week 3

 

[Why Me?]

Second attempt at Week 4 began yesterday, failed Day 1 again (after passing 2 & 3 last W & F). These Day 1's are by far the hardest for me with the short rest, and I refuse to take advantage of the "take more time if you need it" caveat. Monday is also typically a low-energy/feeling hungover day for me. I think instead of continuing with W4 D2 & D3 this week, like I did last week, I'm just going to repeat D1 twice more and hopefully be ready next week to complete W4 in it entirety.

Another attempt at W3D1, another utter failure. Not even close to 27 on the last set.

 

[dude]

After working W3 x3, i feel i deserve to move on to W4.W4D1 - 16/13/13/11/15

W4D2 - 16/14/14/12/18(new 5th set best!)

 

[Rig24]

Another day, another failed max. Dropped off of last week, but didn't notice the first time through that the 2nd day rest time drops to 45 sec. That could explain the drop off. Also walked 27 holes of golf day. Good thing was I didn't have any trouble doing the first 7 stages.

(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

W5 Max's: 15/33/41 2nd Try: 14/26

 

[Invisible Sky Wizard]

Woo, hoo! 81 on my end-of-week 5 max test!! I'm stoked. But, I'm not looking forward to week 6. W6D1 is 56/45/42/40/max of at least 56. Jeez.

 

[dude]

Woo, hoo! 81 on my end-of-week 5 max test!! I'm stoked. But, I'm not looking forward to week 6. W6D1 is 56/45/42/40/max of at least 56. Jeez.

 

[beer 30]

Woo, hoo! 81 on my end-of-week 5 max test!! I'm stoked. But, I'm not looking forward to week 6. W6D1 is 56/45/42/40/max of at least 56. Jeez.

GL, that's impressive.

 

[Rig24]

Woo, hoo! 81 on my end-of-week 5 max test!! I'm stoked. But, I'm not looking forward to week 6. W6D1 is 56/45/42/40/max of at least 56. Jeez.

sweet

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

W2: 12..12..9..7...25

Forgot to post this the other day.W2D2: 16 | 16 | 13 | 11--->30Nice work Wizard!!

 

[dude]

After working W3 x3, i feel i deserve to move on to W4.W4D1 - 16/13/13/11/15

W4D2 - 16/14/14/12/18(new 5th set best!)

W4D3 - 20/15/15/15/18(just made the max)wondering if i should repeat W4 since im not too happy with how my last set max has progressed.

 

[Jimboozie]

Question for those who are getting through this easier than others (not getting hung up until week 5): do you guys work out regularly outside of this program? I'm wishing I had started a Tuesday/Thursday routine of some sort when I started this MWF program.

I've been biking a lot which is helping out my lower body and is ridiculously enjoyable. Find yourself a good bike trail! Though I was wondering what is a good compliment workout after the pushups. Five sets doesn't exactly last very long, and I'm often asking myself "What do I do now?" Would love to hear some workouts (strength, cardio, whatever) that you guys do before or after the pushups.

 

[Rig24]

Missed day 3 last week (out way too late). Pretty much the same as last week for Day 1 results. Did 20 in the 3rd set and 17 for the max. Both better than last week. Small steps, but they are in the right direction.

(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

W5 Max's: 15/33/41 2nd Try: 14/26/M 3rd Try: 17

 

[Steve Tasker]

Been following this thread for awhile...coming off my 2nd shoulder surgery but I might have to give this a try (slowly of course, but why the hell not)

 

[Gadabout]

Nearly threw up all over the floor after doing W5D1.

 

[Invisible Sky Wizard]

yeah, I struggled today, too, on W6D1. I did 56, then 45 (although it might have been 55 . . I lost count), but then petered out on the set of 42. I could tell it just wasn't in me today so I called it a day and figure I'll try again on Wed. But, I could only rest 60 secs between sets so my confidence is building that I'll soon hit the 100 mark.