One Hundred Push Ups: The Final Test (Take Won)

Ambient background music: DJ Premier’s 55-minute Michael Jackson Tribute Mix

Push Ups (Do as many as possible):

max ——> 33 (TF?!!!??!)

So I went in pretty cold. Although I thought I had warmed up enough with 30 jumping jacks (because I didn’t want to expend any energy, see?). Plus I spent a few minutes staring at my Power Gym while doing breathing exercises and preparing myself mentally like a Shaolin monk. I guess it wasn’t enough. But I didn’t plan on stopping ‘til I got enough (push ups). And I wasn’t expecting 100 this early, to be honest.

(5 min break)

max^2 ——> 50

Better. But I’ve been there before. I’m using more and more energy and the clock is ticking. I’m thinking how I can’t possibly be getting stronger now that ample blood is travelling to my arms and chest. Took some more Vitamin Water swigs.

(7 min break)

max^3 ——> 51

Damnit. Only ONE MORE rep? I’m getting tired. It’s past 2AM. But I’m not leaving until I’m satisfied, trust! OK, time to rest a bit again. Listening to the awesome mix; MJ is giving me more strength and motivation. Let’s try this again. Time to give it my ALL.

(6 min break)

max^4 ——>

1…10 (10)

1…10 (20) *breathing hard but good*

1…10 (30)

1…10 (40) *getting tough but not slowing down yet*

1…10 (50)

At this point I know I’ve reached my evening’s max. But I’m not as tired as I was the first 2 times I got there. Whutz happenin’? Sheeiiiiiit! Let’s push this further, yo!

1…10 (60) Keep going! (slowing down considerably now)

1…10 (70) Hit my all-time high! Can I eke out a few more reps though?

1…2…3…4…5…*thud*

SEVENTY-FIVE! A new personal consecutive best! Sorry to disappoint if you were expecting 100, but I am very happy with this result.

So the lesson learned here is that my first set, although I’m at my freshest then, is not where I’m at my best, ironically. My little muscles need a thorough warm-up (via push ups). Never thought I’d get better as the sets went on. I also realize that reaching the century mark could take a few more weeks. But at least I’ve got a strategy now (max, rest, max, rest, max). Next time I’ll get a better night’s sleep and maybe eat more potatoes. In the meantime, I just earned myself a lazy Sunday.

Post workout snack: Plain organic high protein yogurt with frozen blueberries, fresh mango and almonds mixed in (too lazy to make a shake at this hour, so this will do just fine).

Thank you for reading all of this. And a good morning to you!