Just Like Old Times: 100 Push-Ups Week 4, Day 2

Three and a half weeks into this adventure and my arms, chest and shoulders are already starting to look like they did when I was a regular at the gym three times a week. I was squeezing the last of the toothpaste out of the tube last night and noticed my forearms rippling in the mirror. Isn't that how every guy judges his physical fitness? I still wouldn't take my shirt off at the beach but that's more about the fat between my ears than on my belly.

The sets today are 25, 29, 25, 25 and at least 36. That last set, if I can do it, will put me well over the one-third  mark on the way to the goal of doing 100 push-ups in a single set. I should be there in just two and a half short weeks if things continue going as planned, so without further ado... Twenty-five done.

Push-ups are also great for the abs, as you tense them to hold yourself flat. That also means you're likely to forget to breath. Don't. Having plenty of air is of prime importance, and it's hard to make up the lost ground once you're out of breath. I rolled out my shoulders a bit before starting today, and that helped keep the pops and creaks from happening. Time for a set of 29... And done.

This sounds stupid, but pretending I'm blowing myself into the air by breathing out before I push myself up helps me remember to breath. Whatever works works. Speaking of things that work, I know no one is reading this blog as I go through the program, but knowing that if I stop doing the workout this blog has to stop too keeps me going. Whatever works works. At least a 90-second rest is recommended, but I'm taking more if I don't feel ready... 25 more done.

I was ready, but I had to close my eyes and bear down to get from 20 to 25 on that set.  I will definitely be taking more time between sets this round and next. Especially before the last set of at least 36. Here's the last 25...

I quick visualization exercise of imagining myself doing the set of push-ups to completion without stopping is great for helping me make my goal. Before I get down on the ground I take a moment to just think about how relaxed my shoulders are and how my body can easily do 25 push-ups. I think about not following any impulse to slow down, and it works. I've just got this last set to finish... And that it. Thirty-nine at max-out.

One hundred and forty-three push-ups on the day, around 30 fewer than I did during the entire first week. That's another benefit of keeping this blog: I know exactly where I started, where I am and where I'm going, and that does a lot for helping me end up where I intended to go. See you on Saturday!