Doing a 30-Day Push-Up Challenge Brought Back a Confidence in My Strength That I’d Thought Was Gone Forever

Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

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However, things have changed in the last decade.

These days, I can typically handle about three to five regular push-ups before petering out.

I much prefer doing them on my knees, but even then, they are still a struggle.

woman sweating in the gym

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But I did it (and Im still doing my planks!).

So, I opened a new spreadsheet in Excel and typed out my plan.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

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And I quickly started questioning this entire project.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

If I could only do three, was my idea of adding two push-ups per day totally unrealistic?

I considered backing out of the assignment altogether.

Self-doubt began creeping into my head, screaming, What were youthinking?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

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My armpits were sore (those pecs were weak!)

This can be a difficult pill to swallow.

And getting back into working out can be super overwhelming.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

The biggest thing that this 30-day push-up challenge did for me was re-instill a sense of confidence in myself.

Ultimately, I loved this challenge.

Its made me feel more like my old self again.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

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