"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage and confidence in the doing"
-Unknown
Website: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/motivation/habits-of-effective-exercisers/?sssdmh=dm17.461106&esrc=nwfitdailytip080410&email=2686729334 strategies to help you stick with your exercise goals!
Well today is my final day of the 100 Push-Up Challenge! Honestly, I have been putting it off all day but that is my post-dinner goal!
It is a 6 week challenge to get you up to doing 100 straight push-ups. I know what you are thinking...not possible?!?! But, it really is such a great goal and you feel so much stronger by doing it. Think of how accomplished you will feel when you finish that final one :)
I started on week 3 so I have been doing it for 3 weeks but it really did help build my strength drastically. There were some days when I thought I was crazy for doing it but I've made it to the final test and I challenge you to do the same!!
Why are push-ups so great? This single exercise involves weight lifting, cardio work, and stretching all in one movement! What a great way to maximize your time!!
Your abs are (hopefully) contracted throughout the entire movement so you are both strengthening the core and inadvertently stretched in order to stabilize your form. The quadriceps are engaged to hold your body in the upright form. The push-up motion works the chest, biceps and anterior deltoids while stretching the back and biceps.
They work a great range of muscles and require no equipment what-so-ever. You are able to squeeze this challenge in while you get ready in the morning. The 100 Push-Up Challenge has you resting at points and this is when I would make my bed or get dressed. It did not take time at all to work through this!
Endurance is vital to increase your strength in any workout routine. By remaining committed, you will be able to increase your ability and endurance both in push-ups and all strength training exercises!
Because push-ups are such a great total body conditioner, they help prevent injury while doing other exercises. Using push-ups as a warm-up will engage all the muscles and allow the strength to build so you do not jeopardize form with weight lifting.
Muscle growth is important for a healthy lifestyle. I'm not talking body building here...girls don't worry, you won't ham up by doing this. We lack the testosterone to build in that way! Push-ups release a natural growth hormone that build muscles needed in order to be strong, healthy individuals!
So before you drop to the floor to start your work, really check form. It is vital to practice good form to prevent injuries and maximize results. Ensure that your shoulders, elbows and wrists are in line and that you have a straight line from the top of your head to your contact point (knees or toes). Make sure you constantly thinking about keeping your butt from dropping or raising, this will put too much strain on your lower back. Feet are slightly separated if performing these on your toes.
Take the challenge, you might surprise yourself!!
Megan
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