In my defense last week I did dig out a pair of auxiliary Kayanos I had in inventory

Any interest in doing the Pushup Challenge (or a Situp/Crunches Challenge) for 2014? I am lacking in motivation and overabundant in baked goods this week and not feeling good about it. I need something to shake me out of my rut starting 1/1.

I'll do the Pushup Challenge with you! I started it last year but ended up having abdominal surgery midway through and had to stop for quite a while. (Though it helped me heal faster!) So I was already thinking I wanted to start up again 1/1.

A crunch challenge might be good, too, though I think I would have a hard time just starting at 1.

Why not!?! 3 years in a row!

I'd love to do it too! How does this challenge work?

You start with one pushup on 1/1/14 and end up with 365 in one day by year end.

I could use something to do. And I don't think I can do it with miles and running...so yeah!

To add...I think it is also allowable to at least begin these pushups (or intermitantly) do them from an angle (like on a counter top) if need be for shoulder issues and such.

I'll try it. But I think I'll do sit ups too! My stomach really needs it!

I'm sure I'll only be doing "girl" pushups, I don't have that strength yet!

Girl pushups are acceptable for girls or anyone that has never done them. 5-2-go, try planks. They are an ab strengthening powerhouse. I also do an abwheel. But I only recommend that if yo uhave pretty good core strength already. All of those (including the pushups) will add to core srength. But for those looking for the "6 pack", that's all about what you eat. As we use to say, "Abs are created in the kitchen".

What are planks?

This challenge will go great with my diet plan for '14. I have a serious sugar addiction so as of January 1st, I plan on cutting out sweets/sodas. I won't actively avoid sugar itself like I did for the Daniel Fast I did last year, but I just won't eat desserts and stuff like that. I'm one of those that just can't have one every now and then. It's all or nothing baby!

Here's a good demonstration of planks:

http://www.wikihow.com/Perform-the-Plank-Exercise

Also, for building up strength, I really like doing full pushups at an angle--a wall or a counter, and just moving lower and lower. It builds up better than doing them on the floor on your knees. Eventually one day you just try a full pushup on the floor and realize you can do it! I joined the challenge in 2012, and had NEVER EVER in my life been able to do a full pushup. But using planks and the counter method, I was able to get to full pushups within a couple months. And as I already said, it made a TREMENDOUS difference later that year when I had to have surgery.

My 2cents

I will try planks! Thanks for the link!

Planks are very effective. Do the side planks show in the link above, too. You can also make it tougher by lifting one leg and moving it out to the side several times. That's good for the lower back.

I'll give the pushup challenge a try, at least until my shoulders start barking at me again. I've read a number of articles on how to do pushups without making your rotator cuff ache. It seems keeping your elbows in is the key.

I will gladly accept this challenge! I agree that the plank/side plank are very effective core strengthing exercises so I will commit to doing these every day. I also have a sweet tooth so I need to cut out the candy/sugar that I'm tempted by everyday at work and have better willpower! It's hard these days with all the Christmas goodies, so it's good this Challenge starts in Jan!

Do we need to create a private FB page for progress photos?

Well yeah! If they're like the ones BBB posts... not of himself of course, just fit women wearing no clothes!

New fitness stuff for Christmas provides new motivation, for a little while at least.

Just buy new shoes every month...that helps with motivation.


I haven't seen the schedule for the new year, but I'm hoping they continue to offer Insanity at the Y.

Has anyone tried Shaun T's new T-25 workouts? I think I want to get that. I have Insanity and P90, but those take up alot of time. When I'm busy I think I could still set aside 25 minutes.

We have a FB group that's still titled 2012 Pushup Challenge.

I'm game to get back into the game. Now that I'm done with my MBA, I need to get my CrossFit schedule back!

Yeah, if you go back far enough, you will find blackmail worthy photos on the 2012 Pushup Challenge page.

I bought new shoes yesterday...two pairs. However, it was not very enjoyable. On a "fun" scale of 1-10 I'd rate the 90 minute ordeal a "4." I was buying new work shoes. It was a chore...unlike buying fitness shoes. Go figure....

::Scratches head::
Work shoes? You actually spend money on those?
Who knew!?!?