Deconstructed Grilled Banana Sandwich:

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If you have not grilled a banana yet (just slice and place in a hot, greased pan for a few minutes), you are missing out!  So much better than raw.

 

Not only was breakfast a superb way to kick-off Monday – my coffee was great, too.

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The Husband and I are making the switch to organic, fair trade coffee at home due to 1) pesticide concerns; 2) the environmental impact of conventional coffee farming; and 3) the social impact of fair trade.  It’s only a few extra dollars at the store, but I really love my coffee and feel like this little change makes a big difference.    And that So Delicious Hazelnut creamer is soooo delicious.  :)  Normally, I go for Half and Half, but this was just as good!

 

Arms and Abs Challenge

 

After two days of yoga this weekend, my arms are terribly sore.   I realized last night that I lost a ton of upper-body strength during the last month or so of marathon training.  And remember how much my abs hurt at the end of the marathon last weekend?  I’m determined to get my strength back… the fun way!

 

Since 2010 is drawing to a close, I thought a last-minute “End of the Year Resolution” was in order.

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One Hundred Pushups and Two Hundred Sit-ups are two arms and abs strength training plans that last six weeks each.  You do the workout three times a week. At the end of the program, you’ll be able to do 100 pushups and 200 sit-ups in a row. 

 

I’ve done the pushups plan before and got to about 35 pushups in a row before I fell off the bandwagon. 

 

Today’s workout required that I do 15 pushups and 40 sit-ups.  It was HAAAARD!  But I survived.  🙂

 

Anyone else up for a 10-minute strength challenge in the mornings?  I hate strength training, but I can handle this!

{ 142 comments }

 

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete November 8, 2010, 9:10 am

    I’m not following the 100 pushups plan, but I have started doing a few sets of pushups throughout the day.

    Good luck with your challenge!

  • JenATX November 8, 2010, 9:10 am

    35 push ups is legit! My max is 25.. sounds like a cool challenge, I’ve actually been looking for something to keep me motivated during the winter & Holiday season. I’m going to check it out

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 9:13 am

      YES! SO hard to stay motivated when it’s cold outside!

  • Jazz November 8, 2010, 9:15 am

    Oh man, I can do 20, but have my knees on the ground!

  • Tab - Just Weighing In November 8, 2010, 9:15 am

    I’m doing good to do one pushup as pushups have never been my strong suit! 🙂 Good for you though!

  • grocery goddess jen November 8, 2010, 9:15 am

    I’ve been increasing my strength training ALOT lately, and I totally love challenges, so I might climb on board here!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin November 8, 2010, 9:20 am

    I would totally do that! I noticed how much strength I lost during my half marathon training too… I can’t even do one pushup the right way right now!

  • lindsay November 8, 2010, 9:20 am

    This sounds awesome! I think I will give it a try. I think I could do 100 pushups in a row in college – we did a lot of push-ups on the crew team, but I bet now I could only do about 10-15.

  • Janene Giuseffi November 8, 2010, 9:24 am

    I just did the initial tests for both on Saturday will be starting the challenges today! Yay!

  • Jess November 8, 2010, 9:24 am

    I am definitely in. I am usually really toned, but I had hernia surgery and haven’t been able to lift a THING for 8 weeks!! I just bought my wedding dress too so I really wnat to tone up…I feel so skinny-flabby! Thanks for the idea Caitlin! 🙂

  • Alison (Ali on the Run) November 8, 2010, 9:26 am

    Love this. I’m in! I can do the sit-ups but the push-ups will be a huge challenge. Yay!

  • Errign November 8, 2010, 9:33 am

    I’m in! I work with a trainer for strength on Tuesday and Thursdays throughout the semester, so this is a good thing to start now that my sessions are starting to wind down!

  • Carla @ Will Run for Health November 8, 2010, 9:33 am

    Ever since I failed the “push up test” in 4th grade, I have been terrified to add them to my strength training program. Maybe this just the push I need!

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow November 8, 2010, 9:34 am

    Oh I am ON THAT! 🙂 Am in desperate need of more upper body work in here + core. Core is huge and my core is currently very weak.

    I’m joining!

  • Charise November 8, 2010, 9:37 am

    I just a week ago decided it was time to get rid of the extra flab that’s shown up on my arms and abs the last several months and have been doing more arms/abs strength training, so I am definitely joining in on this!

  • Erica November 8, 2010, 9:38 am

    SO FUNNY! I just started the 200 sit up challenge 2 weeks ago! I am just starting week 4 (b/c of my ‘score’ on the initial test … I decided not to do the push up challenge b/c I have man arms already :-p.

    Good luck!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat November 8, 2010, 9:39 am

    Good luck! I also lost a lot of upper body strength when I was training for my marathon, but have built it back since. You can do it! 🙂

  • Kiran November 8, 2010, 9:40 am

    Good luck with your strength challenge. I only managed to get to 25 push-ups. Called it quits 😉

  • Jillian@ Reshape Your Life November 8, 2010, 9:40 am

    I was just thinking about doing some kind of challenge like this… I might just have to join you!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday November 8, 2010, 9:40 am

    I like the sound of the push-up challenge because push-ups work a major muscle group (chest) along with a lot of secondary muscles – triceps, shoulders, and even core muscles. Maybe I’ll try it!

    It’s probably better than the sit-up challenge which only targets abs.

    Maybe there should be a leg challenge: like 5 minute wall squats or something.

    • Orla November 8, 2010, 10:27 am

      Samantha, there is a 200 squat challenge that you can do along the same lines of the push up and sit up challenge. I add weights to mine to dial up the pressure.

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking November 8, 2010, 9:41 am

    oh gosh I totally need to do this. I am so weak right now. I’ve started lifting at the gym, but I really need to do some major sit-ups and push-ups!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy November 8, 2010, 9:41 am

    Sounds like a good thing to do in the mornings. I may check it out! Thanks for the idea!

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations November 8, 2010, 9:42 am

    I’m so bad at adding strength training too. But I always feel really strong when I’m doing it. Perhaps I’m in.

  • steph November 8, 2010, 9:44 am

    i love the idea of an end of year resolution! will be doing the 100 push up challenge . look forward to your updates on this

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) November 8, 2010, 9:44 am

    I LOVE grilled bananas and strength training, so I am up for both! I need to find that creamer too, sounds like a perfect way to start a Monday morning! I hope you have a great day Caitlin!

  • Shelly November 8, 2010, 9:45 am

    I got up to 50 on the pushups challenge before I lost interest.
    I haven’t done the situps challenge though.
    My current ab challege is holding a series of planks for longer and longer times. It’s awful and I love it! 🙂

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) November 8, 2010, 9:45 am

    AHH thanks for posting this great idea! I’m going to do it too!

  • Kelly November 8, 2010, 9:45 am

    I NEED to incorporate strength training back into my schedule after my half in two weeks!

  • emily November 8, 2010, 9:47 am

    Ahhh, just this weekend the husband and I decided to start doing 3 strength sessions a week until Christmas! We are so doing this challenge!!!

  • emily (a nutritionist eats) November 8, 2010, 9:49 am

    I love the idea of these smaller challenges! I think they are so much easier and not as overwhelming to stick with! Plus, you can do them wherever and in any weather.

  • Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope November 8, 2010, 9:50 am

    My boyfriend and I got to week 4 of the 100 push up challenge and then stopped when things got hectic. We definitely need to get back to it!

  • LindseyAnn November 8, 2010, 9:50 am

    I’m definitely in for the abs one! Knowing myself, I’ll get burned out if I try both at the same time, so I’ll do arms next!

    Good luck!! 😀

  • tina November 8, 2010, 9:51 am

    i did the 100 pushup one before my wedding- it was AWESOME! my chest/arms have never been stronger!!! hmmm i should get back on that bandwagon… challange on!

  • Janna November 8, 2010, 9:51 am

    I started doing the push challenge like 3 times…but always stopped. Pushups are HARD!

    I would love to try again though, because I do seriously lack upper body strength.

  • Amy November 8, 2010, 9:52 am

    I started the pushups challenge a little while ago but abandoned in to train for my first 10k instead. It’s tough!! Good luck!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) November 8, 2010, 9:52 am

    Your arms are going to be so strong! This is a great and not too time consuming challenge!

  • Katheryn November 8, 2010, 9:57 am

    I’ll do the challenge. Sounds like fun!

  • Heather November 8, 2010, 9:59 am

    What a great challenge – perhaps something my husband and I can do together.

    Something that won’t take a lot of time but hopefully produces good results. Thanks for posting!

  • Cindy November 8, 2010, 10:00 am

    Ooooh Ooooh, me! I’m in! I love feeling strong. And telling everyone I can do push ups is awesome 🙂 Thanks for the challenge. And what a great way to start the day!

  • Britt @ Runnerbelle November 8, 2010, 10:00 am

    We tend to do a lot of pushups at Kettlebell, but I have slacked off on trying to do them all as regular pushups…. I do the first few rounds and then move on to my knees (we do well over 100 at times during the workouts). I need to stop doing that and really push myself. Maybe on days that we don’t do many pushups or abs I’ll add this workout in!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life November 8, 2010, 10:01 am

    I’m definitely down to do this! I need some strength training in my life, and 10 minutes is such a small part of the day.

  • Julia November 8, 2010, 10:01 am

    I’m totally in for the arm and abs challenge. I do those exercises anyway and a challenge will bring a fun twist 🙂
    I’m also adding the squat challenge.

    Thanks fo sharing!

  • Lily's Health Pad November 8, 2010, 10:02 am

    I did the 100 pushup challenge last winter. I have very very sad arm strength. I made it from .5 to 10 pushups in about a month. And I didn’t even follow the workout that closely!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef November 8, 2010, 10:02 am

    sounds great. but i do wonder (not to be critical) what you think about the allegation that lots of situps doesn’t do much good? i just read in a magazine that really many beyond 45 doesn’t do much good, that planks are better because of the way they work muscles. i might try the push up challenge though!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 10:17 am

      huh! interesting. i have never heard this. what’s the reasoning behind it?

      • Katherine November 8, 2010, 12:08 pm

        it is because you are only targeting your rectus abdominus (your most superficial ab muscles). sit ups give you that 6 pack, but actually don’t built much functional strength. i also think excess repetitive forward flexion (like in sit ups) is not very good for our spine either. i am a pilates & yoga teacher and really believe in doing ab work in neutral spine that focuses on the transverse abdominus (deepest abdominal muscle) because I believe it to be more functional and generally better for your body. planks are great for core strength because you can maintain a more optimum position of the spine and focus on the support of the abs (which is the way we need to use them daily.) i could write a ton about this, so let me know if you have any questions. maybe i’ll write a post on it this week.

        • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 12:12 pm

          I will throw in some bicycle crunches, too!

        • eatmovelove November 8, 2010, 1:52 pm

          Yeah, I totally agree. Form starts to deteriorate as well and many people start pulling on their neck, etc.

          Top sources usually quote only 20-25 crunches/sit-ups/v-ups(any of the ab exercises really!) at most. If that is too easy for you, then add a weighted plate, hold the contraction longer, use the cable pulley, etc.

          🙂

      • sarah k. @ the pajama chef November 8, 2010, 7:33 pm

        yeah everyone else’s comments are basically what i’ve read.

  • Joanne November 8, 2010, 10:05 am

    Stength training is mandatory in any exercise program. It doesn’t have to be so intense. But it makes for a better all around performance in any sport. Focus on core but build upper body and lower body. It helps prevent injury as well as helping overall fitness levels.
    If you start include weight workouts into your program, you’ll find you run stronger with less soreness.

  • Haleigh November 8, 2010, 10:13 am

    I’m with you on that one! My arms and abs are always weaker than the rest of my body. I could never dream of attempting 100 push ups though, but maybe I’ll it a try… that is attempting 10 in a row? 🙂

  • Sarah November 8, 2010, 10:16 am

    I’m not sure I want to start this so close to my half marathon, but I’ll jump in after it’s over! I like having a strong core – my back and neck always feels better.

  • Camille November 8, 2010, 10:17 am

    I have always been a runner and haven’t focused on my upper body at all. After seeing pictures from my last marathon where my arms were all sorts of out of shape, I made a commitment to get stronger. For the past month I have been doing 20-50 push ups per day as well as swimming and my whole upper body feels so strong! I think my arms look better too!

  • Jess November 8, 2010, 10:18 am

    This is a great challenge. I’ve been lifting for a bit but I need a change and this sounds like fun. 100 push ups here I come!

  • Orla November 8, 2010, 10:22 am

    It must be something to do with the marathon training as I am the same. I was at yoga last week and almost fainted with the pressure on my arms!!!
    I am on week 2 of the push up and sit up challenge!!! And for good measure I have thrown in the 200 squats challenge too!!! With weights!!
    I mean who likes to be able to walk up and down stairs without it hurting??? 🙂
    Happy Monday!

  • Emily November 8, 2010, 10:23 am

    I am totally with you on this challenge! I was just thinking last night that I need to add pushups and abs to my daily routine (thinking before bed but maybe the am is a good idea). Where did you find the challenges?

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 10:33 am

      i can’t remember! someone told me about them like 2 years ago.

  • Karen November 8, 2010, 10:28 am

    Oh, I am so IN! I love a challenge and having a goal to work towards helps keep me motivated! Thanks so much for spreading the word.
    I used to be able to do 30 “real” push ups. Now I can barely manage the 5 or 6. If I do “girl” knee push ups, I can do at least 10. But I want to get back into an unmodified push up!
    I also plan to do the sit up challenge AND the squat challenge! Yay!!

  • Rebeca Lynda November 8, 2010, 10:28 am

    I’m SO joining you on this one. I’ve done the pushups challenge before and fallen off after week 3ish. Maybe some accountability will help me there.

    I agree with you on the bananas- it really takes them to a whole other level!

  • Nikki @ Balance and Moderation November 8, 2010, 10:29 am

    Alright…I’ll commit! I have been thinking about adding more strenght in and this is a simple way for me.

  • sarah November 8, 2010, 10:30 am

    not trying to be controversial here, but if you read “The Undercover Economist” it might change your mind on buying Fair Trade Coffee vs regular.

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 10:34 am

      What does it say?

      • sarah November 8, 2010, 11:22 am

        I don’t have the book with me, but it says that the Fair Trade farmers don’t always paid well. It has a good discussion about the use of fair trade for marketing purposes. I’ll get more info later and e-mail you.

        • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 11:26 am

          thanks!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day November 8, 2010, 10:37 am

    I’ve tried the push up challenge and like your, fell of the wagon around 50. I just didn’t know how in the world I’d get to 100. Funny that I was thinking about trying it again this morning before I read this. Great minds? 🙂

  • Jessica November 8, 2010, 10:38 am

    I’m a big fan of strength challenges- what great motivation! I’m an even bigger fan of the grilled banana sandwich!!! Who knew a healthy breakfast could taste like heaven 😉

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) November 8, 2010, 10:44 am

    I think those challenges are a great idea! I’m currently doing Insanity and I think adding any extra push ups to my day might actually cause my muscles to fall off my body (!!!) but I’m definitely keeping this in mind for after I finish!

  • Ash Bear November 8, 2010, 10:49 am

    I’m a huge fan of this challenge. Like you, I lost a lot of ab and arm strength during marathon training. I’ll start today 🙂

  • Kayla November 8, 2010, 10:51 am

    I’ll join ya. I’ll even get the fiance to join in. We’re starting half marathon training soon and would love to get our strength in order to help power us through cold-weather runs. 🙂

  • Sarah November 8, 2010, 10:51 am

    I’ve never heard of either of these challenges before – I think they’re excellent, so thanks for introducing me to them! I’m gonna sign up for both challenges as well as the two hundred squats challenge. I’m hoping to start next week.
    Thanks again!

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee November 8, 2010, 10:53 am

    OOo yes I am up for the push up challenge! I did a boot camp in the summer for a month & gained arm strength but then when I did training for my 10km I completely fell off the strength training bandwagon! Im definitly going to try my hardest 🙂

  • Laura @ DramaticallyFit (New blog!) November 8, 2010, 10:53 am

    Great plan! My stomach has always been one of those parts of myself that I definitely wanted to fix and slim down. Thanks for posting this! I think I’ll start with the sit-ups plan and see how it works for me. Good luck! Keep us updated!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 10:59 am

      Your stomach is beautiful the way it is, before or after 200 situps! 🙂 operationbeautiful.com

  • Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) November 8, 2010, 10:53 am

    I think I’m going to join you! I’ve gotten to about 35-40 push ups before (seriously that was amazing for me) and in high school I was the sit up QUEEN, I always did the most of anyone in gym class. What happened to that?!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss November 8, 2010, 10:56 am

    Oh geez, that sounds like a tough challenge!! I’m down for it, though. If you think about it..it’s not *so* bad. It just seems horrible looking at the numbers straight up 🙂 Still tough, though..don’t get me wrong!

  • KitKat @ Pursuit of Happiness November 8, 2010, 11:03 am

    I was just looking for a way to get strength training in, specifically for my arms! To be honest I have a hard time doing 2 push-ups but after reading through the site I think I can do it. I’m up for the challenge!

  • Meredith November 8, 2010, 11:07 am

    These challenges look amazing and I cannot wait to try them with you! Admittedly I’m not one for weight training so this is a much needed challenge for my body. Thanks for passing along such a great program!

  • Natalia - a side of simple November 8, 2010, 11:10 am

    I’m thinking that Dunkin Donuts reads your blog because these sure remind me of your pancake truffles… http://news.dunkindonuts.com/dunkin+donuts/dunkin+donuts+news/dunkin+donuts+pancake+bites.htm

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 11:14 am

      They stole my idea! LOL

  • Eliza November 8, 2010, 11:13 am

    I am totally down for a challenge!!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine November 8, 2010, 11:20 am

    100 pushups? Um, I can barely do one real one!! This might be a fun challenge for me to undertake as well!!

  • Caitlyn (A Spoonful of Life) November 8, 2010, 11:40 am

    I’m game! This is just the motivation I need to start doing more strength. The push-ups are going to be tough, though! My pushups in the past have involved knees being in contact with the ground! I guess that’s about to change!!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun November 8, 2010, 11:46 am

    I love little challenges like that. They are much more manageable and do work. Too bad the belly kind of gets in the way with both of those moves right now. Otherwise, I would be in! I can’t wait to strength train again. It’s my love.

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks November 8, 2010, 11:52 am

    I was just thinking about going into the kitchen and finally trying your grilled banana sandwich recipe! I’ve always eaten my banana sandwiches raw, so it will be a new experience. Your pictures are making my stomach growl! 🙂

    I tried the pushup challenge, but I got wimpy and didn’t last very long. Maybe it’s time to try again?

  • Shrinking mommy of 2 November 8, 2010, 11:53 am

    I am with you on this. I am going to blog this later this week. I just got done doing it. I actually had my 2 & 4 year old kiddos next to me doing it with me (sorta). I know I will have extra weight on my stomach when I do the situps (2 year old loves to be on me when I do sit ups.) For the push ups I had the kiddos lay on the floor and I would kiss them each time I went down! The loved it!

  • Theresa @ActiveEggplant November 8, 2010, 11:53 am

    I think this is a totally do-able challenge! I just printed the pocket-booklets & will start it tonight! I don’t do any strength training otherwise, and certainly no ab-specific exercises so these two programs will be perfect for me.

  • Amanda Mae November 8, 2010, 11:54 am

    This sounds like an awesome challenge! I’m in! I’m nervous, because I can’t even do a “girl’s” pushup…hoping my husband will join in too! Thanks 🙂

  • Nicole @ Yuppie Yogini November 8, 2010, 12:02 pm

    So glad you bit the bullet and bought quality coffee. And that coconut creamer is awesome.

    Love the arms/abs challenge. I definitely need to do this too!

  • Maya November 8, 2010, 12:02 pm

    3 days a week ain’t no big thang, and I think it’s impressive when women can do mad push ups. I’m game!

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In November 8, 2010, 12:03 pm

    ahh I totally should, but I don’t know if I can do it AND marathon training!! good luck!

  • Amber K November 8, 2010, 12:05 pm

    Wow, it sounds really hard, but I really want the strength!

  • Melissa November 8, 2010, 12:10 pm

    I may sign on with that challenge; I can do the three times a week though mine will have to be in the afternoon. I tend to run late in the mornings before work so don’t need anything added to that time.

    And those bananas look mouth-watering delicious!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write November 8, 2010, 12:10 pm

    That’s a really great challenge! I want to do it, too! Are those situp/pushup graphics “stealable?” Ie: Can I use them on my bloggy blog?

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 12:13 pm

      I took them from the hundred push up and two hundred situp challenge websites so as long as you link back in your post, i’m sure they won’t mind!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing November 8, 2010, 12:12 pm

    Count me in!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) November 8, 2010, 12:16 pm

    This plan looks great! Count me in! I’m always up for a challenge. 🙂

    I will have to try the grilled banana sandwich! Looks delicious! 🙂

  • Lauren @ Raw Is Sexy November 8, 2010, 12:16 pm

    That banana sandwich looks so good. I think I’m going to try it but maybe do it with raw nut butter too! Sans egg.
    YUMTASTIC!

  • Laura November 8, 2010, 12:17 pm

    I would love to do this challenge, but I know i won’t without a daily reminder! Will you be posting your workout each day on the blog? (i haven’t read the above comments so I’m sorry of you’ve already posted this)

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 12:24 pm

      I will try! It will help keep me accountable too. Only it’s not everyday, but 3/week!

  • Ellen @FirednFabulous November 8, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I’ve actually been thinking about doing the pushup challenge! For reasons unknown to me, I’m kinda good at ’em! 🙂

  • Megan @ 'Nati Girls Run November 8, 2010, 1:03 pm

    What would I do without you? Whenever I’m stuck in a rutt (with food or exercise) you always seem to post something that gets me going again. I love it! Thanks!

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances November 8, 2010, 1:13 pm

    I lift weights and do yoga but push-ups KILL me and I can barely do 15 at a time before collapsing! And I am really interested in strengthening my core so that I can go a bit deeper in my yoga practice. I may have to join you on this one! 🙂

  • Heather November 8, 2010, 1:14 pm

    I love these types of challenges! I’m in!

  • Bethany November 8, 2010, 1:16 pm

    Awesome idea! I am totally up for this because I am terrible at push-ups.

  • Laura November 8, 2010, 1:28 pm

    This is perfect timing – I was just noticing that my upper body has been neglected with al lthe running I’ve been doing. I’m going to try doing both. One day I will be able to see some ab muscle…

    Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • zoe (and the beatles) November 8, 2010, 1:29 pm

    i hate strength training, too! for sure joining. and i totally just finished day one of the challenge :)! tough stuff! good luck, caitlin!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) November 8, 2010, 1:57 pm

    I finally did my first, full pushup a couple months back, and was beyond thrilled. This sounds like the perfect challenge. 😀

  • Lisa November 8, 2010, 1:58 pm

    While I was taking a hiatus from running for 6 weeks, I focused on weight lifting and toning my arms and abs. My trouble spots!

  • Marci November 8, 2010, 2:16 pm

    Ah those challenges bug the crap out of me! I just don’t understand why you (the whole world wanting to try for 100 pushups) care about just one movement. For example, I have been doing Crossfit for a year now. I cannot do pushups from my toes. I do them from my knees and get my chest to the ground, but I don’t have enough strength to do them from my toes and get my chest to the ground. It is still a strength building movement and I feel it in my shoulders and arms and core. But I do other things for strength too, like pullups with rubber bands, really heavy weight lifting, and I am getting stronger. But to only focus on pushups would tell me that I am not improving in strength, when I am. I just don’t like the idea of the 100 pushup challenge.

  • Kylie @ A Hungry Spoon November 8, 2010, 2:24 pm

    Great idea! I’ve never seen the 100 push-up plan, but I’m definitely going to give it a try tonight. Last Spring when Tina was doing the “Lose the Dough” challenge on Carrots n’ Cake, I started doing her 10 minute strength work-out every evening before bed (sort of as a bonus end-of-day mini workout). Surprisingly, I stuck with it (on and off) ever since! I think I’m ready for a change though, so thank you for introducing me to this 🙂

    Happy Monday!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal November 8, 2010, 2:29 pm

    Good for you for getting some strength training back into your routine:) This is a fun way to do it!
    The trainer in me says not to forget to also add in upper and lower back strength training so you don’t create a muscle imbalance 😉

  • Laura November 8, 2010, 2:34 pm

    I just started this today too – only the push-ups! What a coincidence! I’m in 🙂

  • lisasfoods November 8, 2010, 2:40 pm

    Glad to hear you made the switch to organic, fair trade coffee. We’ve been doing that for over a year, and my boyfriend and I feel really good about making the switch. And there are some really great options out there now; even just a year ago I found it harder to find good organic, fair trade coffee.

  • lauren November 8, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I’m on week 2 of the push ups! The third column is hard, but I’ve been able to push through and complete more then the minimum in the last set. Maybe I’ll try the sit ups…200 sounds like a lot though.
    I started buying coffee at a local orchard a few months ago. It’s fair trade and roasted in Newport, RI.

  • Heidi - apples under my bed November 8, 2010, 3:26 pm

    I hold a plank these days in the morning for 3 minutes – tough for me! But it is definitely helping. Good work! Yummy banana breakfast too 🙂
    Heidi xo

  • Janna @ Janna's Keeping it Real November 8, 2010, 3:29 pm

    hehe i do these all the time with my co-workers…i’ve dubbed them SAC/SAC (superman abs and strong arm) challenges… making them a “challenge” and giving them a fun name somehow makes them extra exciting and do-able.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin November 8, 2010, 3:35 pm

    No matter how much upper body strength training I do, I can never seem to do more than 10 push ups! 😛

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] November 8, 2010, 3:38 pm

    I’m definitely on board for an arms and abs challenge!

  • Sarah @ Whole Foodie Fitness November 8, 2010, 4:16 pm

    I was doing the 100 pushup program and quit about 3 weeks into it. You just inspired me to start again lol.

  • Heather November 8, 2010, 4:43 pm

    Wow! What a strength challenge indeed!

    I strength train 4 days a week. I love it! However 100 push ups and 200 sit ups in a row, seems extreme to me. I did 70-80 pushups at lunch today but they were staggered with other excercises!

    Good luck on the challenge! My own personal fitness goal is to conquer chin ups!

  • Lauren November 8, 2010, 5:13 pm

    Fair trade coffee is a good step to help the farmers, but there are also tons of other alternatives. I’m taking a class this semester about coffee – the farmers, environment, etc. Fair trade is beneficial to the farmers but it doesn’t help enough to provide enough food and education for their families. Other alternatives like direct trade, relationship coffee, shade grown, bird certified all help out as well. Coffee is actually a very interesting topic and delicious as well!

    • Caitlin November 8, 2010, 5:17 pm

      yes! so complicated. sounds like an awesome class to me!

  • Wei-Wei November 8, 2010, 8:04 pm

    Crap, 35 pushups? That’s a LOT! I think I’ll join this challenge… I can’t even do one pushup 🙁

  • Dee November 8, 2010, 9:36 pm

    wow! good luck with the challenges! I am not brave enough to do them!

  • Tracy November 9, 2010, 6:39 am

    I think I’ll do the push ups too! What a fun challenge.

  • Paige November 9, 2010, 7:32 am

    Hmmm….I have heard about this challenge. I was thinking of starting it in the new year! Can’t wait to see how you progress, and will use that as my motivation!

    For now I can’t even do 10 push ups.

  • Shari November 9, 2010, 9:36 am

    I think this is a great idea, I am definitely joining you in this challenge! Good luck!

  • maya @ finding balance in tokyo November 9, 2010, 8:02 pm

    I love that so many bloggers seem to be in the same post-race mentality that I am right now! I’ve lost a lot of upper body and core strength since the beginning of summer and have been trying to shift focus back onto strength and yoga since my last race 3 weeks go, but have had problems with consistency so far.

    I am loosely following the principles for this month’s challenge over at The Great Fitness Experiment, and will definitely be doing the push-ups and probably a modified version of the sit-ups. (I’m thinking 1/2 the number with a mix of bicycle, normal, and reverse crunches, plus lots of plank!)

  • Pat November 10, 2010, 10:25 pm

    I started the hundred pushups plan two months ago. I am on week 4, having repeated it three times. I have a friend at work and we meet in the office gym three times a week to do them. The key is to be disciplined and diligent. You will NOT complete it in 6 weeks. Some plan weeks you will have to repeat 3, 4, 5 times before you move on. But because you can notice your progress, it keeps you motivated even if the progress is slow. Patience is key. I hope to finish week 4 in another couple of weeks.

  • Jenny November 11, 2010, 12:24 pm

    Grilled bananas! Must try this. I’ve been trying to eat one a day ever since I downloaded this Del Monte app for my phone and this is such a creative way to get my one-a-day. Love it!

  • Joey November 14, 2010, 8:21 pm

    Inspired by this post, I finally did my initial test for the push ups today… eek! I’m so weak! I hope I stick w/ the plan!!! My plan is to do arms s-tues-thurs & abs m-w-f…

  • Brianna February 26, 2011, 11:07 am

    wow.. 100 push ups? Okay.. Im in 🙂 ill be doing 100 push ups before i know it. So excited to get started! Now.. all i have to do is stick w/ it!

  • Joy July 29, 2012, 8:42 pm

    Sounds awesome! I have always hated push ups like crazy but have had the dream to do 20 in a row for a year now. This sounds like the way to do it! Thanks!

  • Alex January 27, 2013, 4:45 pm

    I like the push up and sit up challenge and it seems as a doable challenge anyone could follow, regardless of their present physical condition.
    As for the grilled banana, although it tastes really nice, it feels like a waste of kitchen time (washing the mess after you make the sandwich) as well as a complete waste of much needed enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

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