from Orlando, Fl
I've been working on the 50 Push Ups 30 Day Challenge for the last 14 days and I've been having some difficulties. Obviously the way its written it looks like something you should be able to do within 30 days, but I keep hitting a wall during some of the sets, specifically at 16 push ups in one go and now 18 push ups in one go. I end up delaying that day and repeating it the next day if I'm unable to do it correctly because I figure if I can't do it now there's no point in moving onward until its completed, but I'm feeling like I must be doing something wrong if I can't do it as prescribed. If anyone has any suggestions I'd be really happy to hear it, I'm a little befuddled and bummed out about it.
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You could try breaking up the sets and push for the volume for a few days then try it again. Do say a set of 12, then take a few seconds breather (don't even get up off the floor), then knock out the last few. Push for the total number or reps versus the total for each set. -
Thanks, I appreciate the advice. Even on days I can't get the max number of reps in at once, I do always aim for completing the total volume for the day. I'm wondering if trying to do say, 50-100 push-ups throughout the day might help as well. I guess I find it odd that I'm unable to complete the routines despite it being a daily challenge, but it's not like I'm going to stop working at it so I shouldn't be so concerned with how long it takes.Originally posted by Azercord View PostComment
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Little advice. Focus on breathing when you do push up. It help.Comment
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I agree with Powaphil about the breathing, it really makes a difference. As for not completing it as it's set out- when I did the challenge (I didn't complete but that was for a different health reason), I kept hitting a wall too. You just need to keep repeating the day until you get it, then move on to the next one, you might not do it in 30 days, but it will work
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This thing has a slightly different difficulty curve, maybe that will help you break all those walls you keep hitting.Comment
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Chipping in with my 2 cents.
Would you consider going for a harder version of Push Ups once you hit say, 20 Regular ones. I found that , going for Closed Grip or Diamond Push Ups ( though it might work different muscles ) helps you gain strength to do the regular ones pretty easily.
Something that you can use from Darebee itself is the Push Up Ladder Challenge.
Also depending on your goals, Number of Reps Vs Type of Sets could give you different results.Comment
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Ya'll are awesome, thanks so much. I was unable to hit 18 pushups again today, but I got closer at 16 with only moderate trouble on the last rep. Powaphil is right in that I definitely need to work on my breathing, it's erratic on the first ten reps and eventually turns into holding my breath - I know it's wrong but it's so hard to remember halfway through the set. Thanks to Noen too, I'll definitely check out that other source. I know it'll come eventually, but it's like JordanSR said, it might not come in 30 days but it'll happen.
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There´s nothing wrong with advancing the program, but splitting the reps as needed. Then take a break after the 30 days- 1 week for maintenance of your muscles. And start again- but maybe you are able to start at day 5 or higher, since you are already advanced.Comment
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Really? I would have thought the point was to get through it in three sets, doing the correct number of reps per set. Obviously there's no harm in doing the volume, but I guess I set out with the idea that in a month I'd be able to slam out 50 push-ups in one go. Obviously I'm learning that's just not feasible, but I'm still looking at a major milestone of 50 pushups with no break.Originally posted by Ulli View PostComment
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JoshuaCMcMahon ideally you want to do all the reps in three consecutive sets with 60 seconds rest between sets. And yes, the idea is to be able to do 50 consecutive push ups by the end of the Challenge.
However, not everybody is the same. Different people progress differently, recover differently, build muscle differently. So, you might need a little bit more recovery time for your muscles to heal, rebuild and get stronger and more enduring. The Challenge is a guideline, a way to increase your volume and load which is how to progress. It doesn't mean you're doing it wrong or you're failing just because it takes you longer.
Take a day off, go back a couple days and redo them, repeat some days until you feel comfortable with the amount of reps,... there are many ways to do it
Just make sure you recover sufficiently and slowly but surely push your limits, you will get to your 50 push ups eventually. Good luck!
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@Joshua: As TheRaven said. There´s nothing wrong with not advancing according to the plan. In my opinion it´s more important to stick to the total amount of reps, even if you are not able to do them in the planned sets- so maybe the program takes more time until you reach your goal (as raven suggested- redoing days or going back) or you redo the program because you didn´t achieve the goal the first time.Comment
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Thanks everyone, you've all been super helpful and supportive. I've been working on the pushups over the past week and a half and come to the conclusion I haven't been getting enough protein. I had been mixing protein powder into my coffee but cut back to save some money. Turns out I probably cut back way too much. After going back to a higher amount I started slamming out the pushups with little difficulty. :3
Edit: Oh Powaphil, you're right about the breathing. Finally took the time and effort to fix that bad habit and it's been paying excellent dividends.Comment
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JoshuaCMcMahon, second advice : best your plank is, more easier and better your pushup will be.
I am on the challenge too. Last Monday I did 24reps (day18). Wednesday I tried the 26 (day20) but fell on my knees at 14... I took rest on thursday and retry on friday and succeed the 26reps.
So keep perseverance. And you will be more happy when you pass something you have failed before.Comment
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Powaphil Oh yeah, when I broke 20 pushups on day 16 I was in awe. I've never been able to do more than 10 kinda sorta, so it was just awesome. Especially since in my mind, when I was getting ready, there's this tension, this doubt, and to have it all blown away is amazing.Comment
from New Zealand
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