MENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL GROWTH FITNESS

The Journey To 10,000 Push Ups & 10,000 Squats

How I challenged myself, and succeed. And how you can do the same.

Growing up, I was on the ‘chunkier’ side. Like most people, I know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil… healthy and unhealthy. But working out is hard, and pizza tastes great.

Through my teenage years and college, I wrestled with my love of junk food and bought my fair share of what’s come to be known as ‘athleisure’ wear. My weight went through a few ups and downs.

Never at an unhealthy rate, or with dangerous methods. Just eating right and working out.

So where does it get difficult?

Keeping the weight off.

During my most recent stretch of healthy living, having shed about 20kg over the space of a year, and determined not to let myself slide back into a routine of Doritos and dip, I set myself a challenge…

“I will do 10,000 Pushups” I told myself.

“… And while I’m at it, I’ll do 10,000 squats.”

How can you do 10,000 pushups and 10,000 squats?

Good question! Certainly not in one sitting.

I managed 1,000 squats in a continuous session once. I was visiting a friend in Vienna, and only really did it because they said they didn’t think I could. It hurt to walk.

As for the push-ups, I could just about get 20 done without the need to drop to my knees.

The Plan

100 squats and 100 pushups, every day for 100 days.

It went like this… 20 squats, 20 pushups 1 min rest — x5.

Or in gym talk 5x20rep supersets.

Oh, and if you’re thinking the 1min rest is generous, give it a go…

How did it go?

After 7 days, I could finally manage the full 100 pushups without needing to drop to my knees.

After 45–50 days, I could do 100 squats and 100 pushups, and only just be breaking a sweat.

Day 50: Form Check! Not believing I could be doing this without breaking a sweat, I reflected on my form. It’s easy to bring your hands forward or ‘up’ on the floor. Remember to keep your arms at 90 degrees when extended.

On Day 57, I was hurting a little after the form check. The perfect time to remind you: stretching is key. I was putting in 10–15 mins of stretch time after completing 100 squats and 100 pushups. Day 57 (after reverting to ‘proper’ form) I was a bit achy in the lower back. I didn’t want to throw the towel in, so spent a little more time focussed there during stretches. You can find lower back stretches, or stretches targeting any specific area with a good google if you need to!

Days 60–70, were the toughest — mentally and physically. Given the slight back pain, and my keenness to carry on (read: idiocy), I had to keep checking form and sticking at it.

By day 70, I was feeling much stronger and was happy with the consistency of my form. Just 30 days left now… phew.

By day 80, I was able to do 4 sets of 25 reps.

By day 100, I’d completed 10,000 pushups and 10,000 squats.

And I was ready for a rest day.

What did I learn?

I didn’t plan to do any other workouts over the 100days, and I was worried my cardio fitness levels would suffer. I ran a few 5kms over the 100 days, to try and get some idea of the impact. I managed to hold my pace, but my breathing really suffered for it.

Which is a shame. I realized I’ve come to enjoy running a 5k without being winded!

This 100 day period also taught me about habits. Just make the time, and show up. No matter what I made time for ‘my 100’. A busy work schedule, family commitments, going away with friends over a weekend, feeling a little sick, feeling a little tired, a hangover, running late. Things (almost) got in the way. But I stayed true to the challenge, which proved useful!

I don’t work out every day now, I don’t even work out more days than before (it’s probably about the same — 3/4 days a week). But, mentally, I find it much easier to motivate myself to start.

And that’s the most important motivation to have because no one gets to the end of a workout and regrets it.

So go ahead, get started… Before you know it, you’ve done 10,000 pushups.