The 100 Push-up Challenge

I have not and am not currently attempting the 100 Push-up challenge. For those of you who do not know about the 100 push-up challenge, scope it out here: 100 Push-up challenge. It was/is a current fitness trend floating around the internet that has popped up on many fitness blogs in the fairly recent past, and gathered an almost cult following of people attempting to complete the challenge. So why write about it if it has already been covered all over the internet? Inspiration.

I love to be inspired by my friends in their fitness endeavors. I happen to be friends with many runners who are a lot better than myself; and although most of the time, comparisons between them and myself only depress me, I am also motivated by them. I can look to them for advice and guidance, or if nothing else, a glimpse at what true potential in action looks like. They serve as a source of inspiration.

But not all of my friends are "elite" runners or athletes. Hell, some of my friends are pretty damn sedentary, which urks me to no end. So this brings me to the 100 push-up challenge.

I have seen friends attempt and quit the 100 push-up challenge (cough, BIG DOG!) Not very inspirational. So when my dear friend Danny told me today of his completion of the 100 push-up challenge, I was ecstatic. Other than people posting on random fitness message boards talking about this challenge, this was the first person that I'd heard of actually completing the challenge. Although I believe I can do it if I make an honest attempt, it still is an extremely daunting challenge. I don't know if any of you have attempted to max out on push-ups -- but it is hard. I'm pretty sure my max is 64. So when I hear about a buddy of mine dominating 100 at one time, I am pretty impressed.

Push-ups are an excellent exercise that many people pass on while working out. The other sad thing is that people give up on them so easily because initially, push-ups are hard! When you are getting back into "push-up shape," it takes some adaptation But the adaptation happens quickly. The amount of improvement you experience in such a short time can serve as a motivation to keep up with the exercise consistently. Unfortunately, many people are deterred by the initial difficulty of getting back into push-up shape. But you must bust through! Forge on soldiers!

So. I cannot sit here and say that I am about to make an honest attempt at the 100 push-up challenge-- I have an awful lot on my plate right now in the physical fitness world. But I will ask you this: If you have no real direction or goal with your fitness plan right now, why not jump start it by giving this a try? You might just learn somethin', boy!