The FastDay Forum

I'm up for it! Maybe starting on knee ones mind, has only managed 1 full press up last week before flumping

omg just did 5 push ups on knees yesterday and today my arms really ache!

I have deliberately avoided even opening this thread, but today I have given in, I shall look at the link and then make a pathetic, wimpy decision. Reference to your nose touching the ground, should not present a problem for me as I can almost do that from a standing position such is the size of my proboscis Just joking, almost!!!

Ballerina x

Haha Ballerina, I have also avoided this thread, but just couldn't resist anymore. Okay, I'm in.

My strength is all in my legs (skate and bushwalk/hike a lot), my core is okay and my upper body is weak. I've been nursing a dodgy shoulder tendon for months, and it's finally okay enough for me to feel I can do these push ups.

Going in on level 2, starting tomorrow.

Im in, will do test tomorrow, its nearly bed time, and I am pinned to the couch by our big black and white cat, 8 kilos of purring contentment who will be very unhappy with me if I kick him off!!

For anyone with shoulder issues, do consider knees down for the extra support. Either way - core tight (but still able to breathe), collarbones spread, neck straight (look down or a little bit forward, but don't let you chin jut out), shoulders relaxed (think about bringing the bottoms of the shoulder blades together), lower ribs pulling back towards spine. (can you tell I'm a yoga teacher??) If you feel these in your shoulders, push the weight back into your core and legs (has the benefit of making the triceps work more too). Maybe try some dynamic stretching before hand too? 30-60 seconds of arm swings and the like. Don't do pushups cold.
I find it helps me to get the alignment right while standing, so I know what it should feel like. And quality over quantity!

As for how to do the challenge - the initial test tells you which level you do weeks 1 and 2 at. You don't switch levels in this time, just do the same level for 2 weeks. At the end of two weeks, you'll do the test again, to determine your level for weeks 3-4. I think you also do the test again at the end of week 5 before week 6. Repeat weeks (at the same level) if you don't complete them, as necessary. Or consider dropping down a level to complete the week. Technically, it's 100 pushups in 6 weeks, but I imagine it does take longer than that if you start at level 1!

Good luck all!

Thanks for the tips, very helpful. Even if I have done an exercise a lot in the past, it is so good to get a refresher on form, and things to watch out for.

I did the test yesterday on my knees as I could only manage 1 or 2 proper ones. I'm really feeling it this morning. I think this will be a long haul but well worth it. I've downloaded the app to my phone to help keep me going.

I've decided I'm going to do the 200 situp challenge instead as it's my core and abs I mainly want to improve and push ups put too much strain on my shoulders. Maybe I'll do the push up challenge after if I manage the sit up challenge.

I've decided I'm going to do the 200 situp challenge instead as it's my core and abs I mainly want to improve and push ups put too much strain on my shoulders. Maybe I'll do the push up challenge after if I manage the sit up challenge.

keep us updated!

Day 1 - done! Though really should have done it before painting walls for 3 hours mind! Got a feeling I will be paying for that tomorrow morning-

Day 2: failed to make the required maximum again (10.5 / 12) by a tiny margin, another attempt on Wednesday I guess...

week 1, day 2 completed. did the minimum for the end, but not the greatest form on the last one. will check in again on Weds for day 3, and then will go to weekly check-ins.

hope everyone else is seeing (some) success?

Mmmm........Still thinking about it

Ballerina x

I will start when I get back from work