Sit-ups (#95)
Liz and I started the 200 sit-up challenge yesterday with the initial test. I was only able to crank out 41. Pitiful, I know, but it WAS after an hour of kung fu (preceded by 2 weeks without kung fu at all). Liz wiped the floor with me cranking out 75. That means that we are both starting in week three. Challenge begins tomorrow! And my abs hurt today…
Newly Added Goal
As any of you know who have read my complete 101 in 1001 list, you have seen that there are 5 goals that have been left blank, to be added later. The first one was scheduled to be added before 01Jan10.
Today (28Oct09) I added my first goal! Ahead of schedule!!
95. [For Fitness] Complete the 100 Push-ups Challenge and the 200 Sit-ups Challenge
I am abysmal at doing push-ups. I can barely do 25 lady push-ups. My chest and upper back are also not strong enough to support my frame. I have lots of back and neck problems and my doctors have told me that strengthening my chest and back muscles will help to balance the load on my muscles. Eventually I’d like to be capable of horse stance push-ups but let’s take one step at a time.
I do have pretty decent core strength but I struggle by the end of 50 sit ups. Core strengthening will also help my pain management and will help make me stronger overall. Core strength is also crucial in body control, which will be helpful in Kung Fu.
I need to work on strength because I’m not strong enough to control my flexibility. These two challenges will put me on the right path towards improved strength, control of my skills learned in Kung Fu, and pain management.
N.B. Liz and I will both be working on this goal.
My Fitness Goals
For Fitness
22. Pass to a Yellow Belt in Kung Fu
23. Ride the 45 Mile LiveSTRONG in Philly
24. Fit into my “skinny” jeans
25. Start the day with sun salutations every day for 2 weeks, 3 times
26. Walk to work 3 times
27. Be able to dead-lift 60lbs (2-30lb barbells)
28. Gym/Fu/Yoga at least 350 times (avg of 10 times per month) for all 1001 days
22.I stated Kung Fu In August after my co-worker essentially pestered me into it. As it turns out, I really love it! I love the physical activity and, after rugby in college, In needed an outlet for releasing aggression. For that, the gym just doesn’t cut it quite like tackling a pad (rugby) or making perfect contact with a kick (kung fu). Progressing to a yellow belt is a very conservative goal to achieve within 1001 days.
23. The LiveSTRONG Challenge Is a bike ride or run/walk that supports Lance Armstrong’s LiveSTRONG Foundation. (More about this when explaining recruitment goal). Each location has a 10, 20, 45, 75 and 100 mile ride (It’s important to note that the Philly ride is ALL uphill). This past August, I rode with my brother on my company team. I completed the 20 mile ride while my brother, the student/cyclist rode 100mi with ease. This was a bit of a challenge for me, especially since I had not ridden my bike NEARLY enough during the year. Within the next 1001 days there will be 2 more challenges that I can/will participate in. I am going to work towards the 45 mile ride.
24. I have a pair of skinny jeans. They mostly fit but it’s not pretty. My goal is go tighten up enough so that they go on and zip and I can sit comfortably in them without wanting to take them off and put on yoga pants.
25. Sun salutations are a great way to get the blood flowing and to stretch out. I need to work on my energy in the morning and this will be a great way to do so.
26. I currently live ~2 miles from my office, about 40 minutes. I also live on the bike path which spits out RIGHT behind my office. Once it gets warmer, there’s no excuse.
27. Dead lifting is one thing that I’ve always had trouble with. My hips and legs and lower back are the parts that need the most strength building. This goal will help me to increase my strength.
28. By setting a minimum attendance for Kung Fu and other fitness activities, I’m setting myself up for success. I feel better when I work out on a regular basis. I also do much better on a schedule.
samanthajess
