The 100 Pushups Challenge is exactly as it sounds: A challenge to increase strength and endurance to the point that you can perform 100 pushups consecutively. You can even get a Hundred Pushups Training program to help you reach your goal in just two months. It’s completely free!
Let’s move on for a moment. What makes someone do 100 pushups at a time? Joey Thurman is a certified personal trainer and author “365 Health and Fitness Hacks that Could Save Your Life.” Pushups are not just a chest exercise. They are also the gold standard for kinetic awareness, muscle control, core stability and strength.
Is it possible to do 100 pushups?
It’s a lot to do 100 pushups consecutively. For comparison, 10,507 is the world record for most non-stop pushups. So how does 100 sound?
You need a plan. The 100 Pushups Training program breaks down your training into six weeks with approximately 30 minutes of pushups each week. You might also find it more affordable.
Thurman says that there is no way to know how many reps it will take to get to 100. To be honest, I don’t do 100 pushups at a time. But that’s because they are done correctly.
How do you do a proper pushup?
Thurman is highlighting a key point: If you don’t do your pushups correctly, it’s impossible to do a challenge such as this. Here’s how it works:
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You will start in a plank, with your arms straight below your armpits. Your elbows should be below your shoulders. Your hips should meet your shoulders, and your spine should be neutral. As you look toward the ground, keep space between your chin & clavicle. To relieve the pressure on your lower back, engage your abs and squeeze you glutes. Keep your body in line by bending at your elbows. Let your shoulders naturally retract or pull back as you lower your body. This will allow your back to control your movement. Stop when your chest touches the ground. Keep the pressure evenly distributed throughout your fingers and push the floor away as quickly as possible to return to the starting position.
How can you get to 100 pushups?
Once you have that down, you can start the Hundred Pushups Training Plan. This program is three days per week. The sets are broken into different numbers to increase your endurance. Thurman warns that you don’t need to reach 100 miles right away. It’s like marathon training. You don’t run 26.2 miles your first run. Instead, you work up to it.
For advanced exercisers, you can do 12 pushups in one session during week one. You’ll do 20 to 30 pushups in week one, and 40 in week two.
This gradual buildup is crucial. Thurman says that too many pushups can lead to injury and overuse. You may also be at risk of becoming anterior dominant. This means that your front end will become overworked, causing rounding of the shoulders and extra strain on your spine.
To avoid this, “pay attention to your posterior muscles, such as your back, hamstrings and butt. Remember to pace yourself and to listen to your body. If something hurts adjust your form and STOP!
Is it worth doing 100 pushups?
You’ll feel more energetic, stronger, taller and more powerful once you get into the rhythm of the workout, Thurman says. Thurman says that in addition to the increased strength and energy, your shoulders and back will feel more stable, as well as your arms and back from strong triceps.
Is it safe to do 100 pushups a day?
You’re a real badass if you can do 100 pushups consecutively. You shouldn’t do 100 pushups consecutively in your workout routine. The same goes for 500 crunches before you go to bed each night. Thurman says that rest is good for your muscles. You risk injury and overtraining if you don’t allow your body to heal and recover. It should be allowed to rest for at least 24 hours before you attempt another hundred.
Ashley Mateo is a writer, editor, UESCA-, RRCA-certified running coach. She has contributed to Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Health, Shape, Self, Bicycling, Women’s Health, Health, Health, Shape, Self, among others. She will travel anywhere in the world for a good story, even if it is just once. Good pizza, good beer and great photos are all things she loves.
